Setting

Physical setting

The short story “The Path to Heaven” by Mary O’Donnell takes place in Ireland, as shown by the reference to the “dash to Dublin Airport” (l. 175), which is canceled following Kalina’s refusal to fly back to Poland.

The story mostly takes place in Lauren’s house and in her garden, which she strolls through at the beginning. Lauren’s house is large, highlighting her privileged status. It has several bedrooms (l. 61), a study room in which Lauren works (l. 66), and a “long hallway” (l. 70). 

Lauren’s idyllic garden is contrasted with Poland, where Lauren is “glad not to live” (l. 1) because “snow had fallen” (l. 2). To Lauren, Poland appears as an unknown, hostile place: “There were other reasons not to want to be in Poland, of course” (ll. 2-3). The garden through which she strolls is an enclosed space, “encircled by a wall of tree-fire” (l. 4), which is symbolic of her sheltered life.

The story also mentions Sobibor, where Kalina’s mother lives. Sobibor is a village in Eastern Poland and also “the na...