Structure

Title

A larder is a large storage cupboard or room for storing food, therefore readers might expect the story “The Larder” by Morris Lurie to deal with something related to food. Upon reading the story, however, readers learn that a character – the real-estate agent – uses the term as a metaphor. He suggests that the sea provides human beings with plenty of resources: “‘Larder of the earth, the sea. Man’s richest feeding ground” (p. 92, ll. 34-35).

The title is ironic in several ways. The real-estate agent’s statement seems to suggest his respect for the sea. However, it ironically helps him justify his cruelty towards the creature he is trying to get out of its shell: “ ‘There’s plenty more where this came from, and getting this fella out won’t make any difference at all.’ ” (p. 92, ll. 35-36). The title is also ironic because the creatures inside the shells are not edible, and therefore there is no reason to take them out of the sea other than their appearance and rarity: “ ‘Pity they’re not edible though’ ” (p. 92, ll. 36-37). The irony in the title is enhanced by the group of tourists’ abusive actions. The tourists bring “almost a hundred shells” (p. 91, l. 14) from their trip to the reef. They then treat the creatures inside with cruelty, and eventually the creatures are eaten by birds (p. 93, ll. 32-38).

The tourists end up taking only a few shells home for decoration and throw the rest away, which highlights their irresponsible behavior towards the creatures and the reef. The story also suggests tha...