Analysis

The analysis of the short story “The Lamb” by Andrea Carter shows that it follows a non-linear, non-chronological plot structure. The story mainly takes place in the past, which the adult narrator revisits via flashbacks, as she returns to her home town for a school reunion.

The main character in the story is the unnamed narrator. She remembers events which impacted her from when she was a teenager. She also reflects on her relationship with Ruth, her childhood friend who killed herself 32 years ago.

The physical setting is a town in Ireland. The narrator remembers events which happened 32 years ago. The social setting explores homophobia, bullying, and peer pressure.

The story is told by a first-person narrator, who is also the main character. The narrator’s account is heavily influenced by her emotions and she reveals her guilt gradually to us which affects our sympathy for her.

The language in lines 121-133 has a solemn tone, like that of a confession. This reveals the narrator’s decision to take responsibility for her past actions. The lines also include repetition.

You can read a more detailed analysis on the following pages.