Structure

The short story “The Arcade” by Alan Gillespie has a chronological plot structure. The story takes place over the course of a single afternoon as Bill and Gaynor look around the Argyll Arcade on their date. 

Furthermore, the short story has a circular structure as it begins and ends with the rain on the street outside the Arcade. This underlines how Bill and Gaynor have not really managed to get anywhere on their date in the sense of forming a lasting connection. 

The story starts in medias res as Bill is waiting to meet Gaynor for the first time for their date: 

The old man waited. Stood holding an umbrella next to the Argyll’s Arcade side entrance. He wore a good navy suit and a waistcoat, a white shirt with the top button open. The crowds on Buchanan Street moved quickly through the rain although it was not as heavy as overcast. (ll. 1-3)

We are throw...