Introduction
“Sea Defences” is an emotional short story written by Hilary Taylor in 2018 that explores the themes of loss, mental disorders, love, and the impermanence of life. Through a highly descriptive and emotionally evocative narrative style, Taylor paints a vivid picture of the protagonist’s struggle to cope with the aftermath of traumatic events in his life in the context of mental problems. This paper aims to analyze Taylor’s narrative technique, style of writing, and use of symbolism and imagery to provide its comprehensive analysis and interpretation.
Narrative Technique
Taylor employs a first-person narrative technique in her short story, allowing the reader to focus on Michael’s thoughts, emotions, and perceptions directly. This intimate point of view fosters a deep connection between the reader and Michael as the protagonist, as it reveals his vulnerabilities and raw emotions. The first-person perspective also contributes to the story’s immediacy and urgency. However, this approach also allows the reader to doubt Michael’s words and feelings, as he can be regarded as a non-reliable narrator (Greathouse and Malo-Juvera 114; Johnson 84-87).
Still, the informal and conversational tone of the narrative further deepens the reader’s connection with the protagonist, whose perception of himself as a child, not a 29-year-old man, is reflected in his words (Taylor 1). Taylor’s use of colloquial expressions and everyday language reflecting Michael’s thoughts contrasts with somber and introspective moments in the story.
Writing Style
Imagery
In this context, it is essential to analyze the writing style in the first three paragraphs. The style can be characterized as descriptive, informal, and emotionally evocative. The author employs vivid imagery and detailed descriptions to create a strong mental picture for the reader. Examples include “blood and mud on her face” and “The red shoe was dangling from the broken floorboards over the cliff” (Taylor 1). Sensory details and precise language help immerse the reader in the scene (Irish et al. 78-89; “What Happened Next”).
Tone
The tone of the paragraphs is conversational and casual, using colloquial expressions. Phrases like “We get chips and go home” showcase an informal narrative voice and accentuate the childish nature of the narration (Taylor 1). The absence of “Mumma” in the police station contributes to suspense and tension, as phrases like “Mumma was trying to save me, but she couldn’t” heighten the emotional impact (Taylor 1). These paragraphs demonstrate how Taylor effectively uses an informal tone and emotionally charged elements to engage the reader and create a strong sense of immersion.
Symbolism
Throughout “Sea Defences,” Taylor effectively uses symbolism and imagery to convey a deeper meaning and enhance the story’s emotional impact. One prominent symbol is the red shoe, which is introduced early in the narrative and serves as a powerful visual representation of loss and the fragility of life. The shoe evokes a sense of impending doom, reflecting the protagonist’s feelings of helplessness and vulnerability because of Hannah’s death. The comparison of the shoe to “a drop of blood from a wound” further underscores the sense of pain and devastation experienced by the protagonist (Taylor 1).
Another important symbol in the story is the storm, which is personified as Angus. The storm’s destructive force is equated with a deliberate act of violence as if it were perpetrated by a person “on purpose” (Taylor 1). This anthropomorphism of the storm emphasizes the protagonist’s struggle to comprehend and accept the seemingly random and cruel nature of life’s tragedies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hilary Taylor’s “Sea Defences“ is a powerful exploration of an individual’s feelings and mental problems. Through a skillful combination of first-person narrative, vivid symbolism, and rich imagery, Taylor immerses the reader in the protagonist’s emotional journey and offers a compelling portrayal of human resilience in the face of adversity. By examining these various literary aspects of the short story, readers can better appreciate the depth and complexity of the narrative and the universal themes that resonate with readers across different cultures and experiences.
Works Cited
Greathouse, Paula, and Victor Malo-Juvera, editors. Young Adult and Canonical Literature: Pairing and Teaching. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2021.
Irish, Bradley J., et al., editors. The Routledge Companion to Literature and Emotion. Taylor & Francis, 2022.
Johnson, Andrea J. Mastering the Art of Suspense: How to Write Legal Thrillers, Medical Mysteries, & Crime Fiction. Andrea J. Johnson Publishing, 2022.
Taylor, Hilary. “Sea Defences.” The Bath Short Story Award Anthology 2018, edited by Jude Higgins et al., Ad Hoc Fiction, 2018, pp. 1-4.
“What Happened Next? Interview With BSSA Prize Winning Author, Hilary Taylor.” The Bath Short Story Award, Web.