Explore how your chosen short story uses the elements of narrative to [engage] you as the reader:.
Narrative elements are importantly employed and developed throughout a text to further engage and develop the ideas and issues behind a text to the reader. The Test by Angelica Gibbs has used such elements of narrative such as setting, characterisation and diction to both emphasis and develop the dominant issues raised within this short story.
The main convention behind a short story is its length and as such, the author of such a genre must condense, whilst still presenting a central theme as well as provide an entertaining and engaging story. In order to do so, authors employ certain elements of narratives to further develop the reader's engagement and understanding of such a text. Through such techniques is the author able to engage the reader by drawing on the reader's context to further develop their conception of the issues and meanings presented in the text. .
One such technique employed was the setting of this text. This was relevant in the reader's conception behind the central issue being presented in the text, discrimination. The year in which this text was set, the early 1950's as well its location, the United States of America play a crucial part in the text, as it draws on our own historical context of the times back then, such as the traditional values and attitudes, the large amounts of racism and prejudice to those who weren't white as well as the prominent use of blacks as slaves. .
The inspector in this text was presented as racist as they come, leaping at any opportunity to slander what he saw as the "opposite race". He was presented as a traditionalist through both his attitude and values presented towards both the reader and the protagonist. The southern accent, remarks made, and the failing of Marian after she made him mad, displayed his character very strongly.
Similarly, Angelica Gibbs has done the same but on the other side of the spectrum through the employer of the Marian; Mrs.
