Analysis

An analysis of “The Rejection” by Woody Allen shows that the story follows a traditional chronological plot structure. The story shows the downfall of the Ivanoviches, a rich family in New York, after their young son is rejected by a top nursery school. 

The characters include Boris, Anna, and Mischa Ivanovich. The narrative is a satire of the American upper class, focusing on Boris and Anna’s internal conflicts as they imagine that their son’s future is ruined because he is rejected by the nursery school. The other characters mostly have symbolic roles which help highlight the type of society that Boris and Anna live in. 

The physical setting of the short story is New York, particularly Manhattan. The social setting explores topics related to the American elite, their lifestyle and corruption, and the American education system. 

The events are described by a third-person narrator who has access to Boris, Anna, and Mischa’s perspectives. 

The language is deeply ironic and helps give the story a humorous tone. The story is told through a mix of dialogue and narration, which also helps convey the characters’ perspectives. 

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