Analysis

Take a look at the summary of our analysis of “The Whaler” by Joe Sheerin and learn the main elements you should focus on when analysing a short story!

The story follows a traditional plot structure, having an exposition, a rising action, a climax, a falling action, and a resolution. The main characters are the boy narrator and the Whaler. The encounter between the two changes the boy’s perspective of the world and represents his first step towards maturity. 

The action takes place sometime in May, in Ireland. The social setting focuses on different aspects related to the boy’s first step towards maturity, like learning about the extramarital affairs of Mrs Early with the Whaler.

“The Whaler” is told by a first-person narrator, who is also the main character. The short story is mostly explicit and is written in a simple and straightforward language.

Read the full analysis in the next pages!