Analysis

An analysis of the short story “Through the Wardrobe” by Lucy Caldwell shows that the text has a non-traditional structure. The events spread over a few years, and the story also introduces a flash-forward into the main character’s future. 

The main character is an unnamed boy who identifies as female. The story follows the boy’s struggle to come to terms with his gender identity throughout his childhood and adolescence. 

The main setting of the story is the society where the boy lives, where gender roles are clearly defined. An important element is the store where the boy first sees the Belle dress, which becomes a talisman that helps him deal with his struggle throughout his childhood and teen years. 

The story is written in the second person point of view, a technique that helps the readers get immersed in the events. Therefore, readers identify with the boy, which enhances their reading experience and draws them into the story. 

The story’s language highlights the boy’s anxiety caused by the society he lives in. The clearly defined gender roles make it hard for him to fully enjoy childhood and adolescence, an issue that is mirrored in the story’s choice of words. 

You can read a full analysis of the short story on the following pages.

Excerpt from the study guide: