Structure

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Beginning 

“The Knife Thrower” begins with an exposition which outlines the character at the center of the narrative – Hensch, the knife thrower. It also reveals the opinions people have about him, as they try to decide how they feel about his scheduled performance in their town. The audience’s mixed attitude towards Hensch (p. 47, ll. 36-38) foreshadows their similarly mixed reactions towards the events they witness during the performance (p. 55, ll. 22-36). This also helps to establish the internal conflict the audience feels when witnessing or even thinking about Hensch’s acts.

The events taking place during the show are foreshadowed by a general sense of disapproval and by the mention of the “artful wound, the mark of blood that was the mark of the master.” (p. 47, ll. 23-24), suggesting the violent nature of the show. Similarly, the audience’s lack of interference during Hensch’s performance is foreshadowed when they admit that it is his most dark and disturbing act…