Structure

The short story “The School of Life” by Lauren Keenan has a chronological plot structure. The story presents Marcus’s first day at a new summer job at a plant nursery. 

The story begins in medias res as Marcus arrives at his new job: 

Within minutes of arriving at the plant nursery, Marcus knew he’d overdressed. The career adviser at university said it was safer to overdress than underdress; you could take off a tie, unbutton your top button, and voila: interview Monday to casual Friday in a few small steps. Marcus looked at the mud-stained clothes worn by the people around him, then down at his pressed T-shirt, clean jeans and new Vans. (ll. 1-5) 

The beginning of the story shows a contrast between Marcus and his new colleagues in the way that they are dressed....