Setting

Physical setting

The physical setting of Kate London’s short story “We Do Not Deal in Guilt or Blame” is London, the United Kingdom. London is the place where the narrator is hoping to make it in the entertainment industry. She puts it this way: “I had a powerful wish to be somebody.” Thus, this big city setting represents opportunity for her and the hope of a new life.

The story mentions several locations in the UK, such as London Bridge (l. 32), the Lake District (l. 41), Camden Market (l. 50), Hampstead Heath (l. 56), Holland Park (l. 76), and Dingwalls (l. 95). The mention of these real locations adds authenticity to the setting. 

Many of the events take place in the boyfriend’s apartment. It is worth noticing that, although the narrator lives there too, she only has “a tiny shelf for my things” (l. 26). This shows what kind of relationship they have, as the boyfriend does not seem to accommodate the narr...