Perspectives

Literary period

The short story “The Silver Bell” by David Evans fits the literary movement we call Modernism. Modernist works often focus on depicting societies that are moving on from norms and traditions, and can be recognized through themes, context, and narrative techniques. In “The Silver Bell”, Evans explores the themes of power relations and of prejudice, discrimination, and fear of change, topics which can often be found in modernist works.

In terms of realist narrative techniques, “The Silver Bell” uses a limited narrator that borrows the main character’s perspective and focuses on describing the action in specific details. The story’s message is not made explicit, and readers must reflect on the symbols, on the characters’ actions and attitudes, and interpret the details about the...