Analysis

The analysis of the short story “The Other Couple” by Sandra Marslund shows that it follows a linear plot structure. The narrative follows the narrator over the course of a couple of days, focusing on her thoughts and feelings. 

The main characters are the female narrator and her partner. The two appear to have a conflict, due to a traumatic event in the past. It gradually becomes clear that this event was the loss of a baby.

The physical setting is the South West of England. The couple are staying at a hotel close to the beach. 

The story is told by a first-person narrator who is also the main character. There are hints that her perspective is unreliable. She also addresses her partner in the second person throughout the story.

The language is neutral. The style of writing in lines 46-68 focuses on dialogue, which flows naturally. The narrative passages contain words with negative meanings, reflecting the narrator’s own state of mind.

The story relies on contrasts that illustrate the differences between the narrator and her partner. 

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