Setting

The physical setting of the short story “The Wall-Reader” is Belfast, Northern Ireland. The physical setting is very important to the story, as the events are influenced by the political unrest that dominates the city.

The time setting is equally important. The story takes place during the period known as the Troubles. The Troubles were a conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted from the 1960s to 1998. 

The description of the city at the beginning of the short story highlights the tense atmosphere and how everything seems to be falling apart:

The shapes of Belfast crowded in on her as the taxi rattled over the ramps outside the fortressed police barracks. Dilapidated houses, bricked-up terraces. Rosy-cheeked soldiers, barely out of school, and quivering with high-pitched fear. 

The landscape is depressing and oppressive. This is in contrast with Mary’s usual state of mind, as she seems to be fascinated by some of these signs of unrest, such as the slogans on the wall or the soldiers, who make her blush.
Although the Troubles have a clear effect on the city of Belfast, they do not seem to affect everyone equally. Mary and her husband, Sean seem to be removed from the events in the city, living ...