An Analysis of Dusk over Atlantic Wharf
Analysis of “Dusk over Atlantic Wharf”
When people move away from their home country and settle down in another country, it can be challenging to identify oneself with other cultural values. Especially in our postmodern society where everything seems to move faster in different directions and create complementary differences between the cultures. Susmita Bhattacharya expresses some of these perceptions in the short story “Dusk over Atlantic Wharf” written in 2006.
The story “Dusk over Atlantic Wharf” takes place in modern time in Cardiff, the main city of Wales in the United Kingdom. We follow the married couple Lata and Anuj who original come from India. In the beginning of the story we are, as readers, thrown directly into the action through a use of in-medias-res as composition. With using a third-person narrator with internal point of view, we witness how Lata’s inner thoughts are revealed during her experiences and conversations.
Summary of the short story
The story begins with a conversation between Lata and Anuj about whether they should go out for dinner or not which also gives an impression of their relationship. Then Lata observes the environment outside which introduces the surroundings. She continues telling about situations from her past and about her present location between her humble conversations with Anuj. They decide to go out and watch a movie. When they arrive to the leisure center, Lata observes the many different families and while she waits for Anuj to buy the tickets, a man notices her significantly. She speculates about the words “are you alright?” They watch a movie which plot takes place in Lata’s home city, and therefore she is very dedicated to the movie. The story ends with Lata and Anuj coming out of the theatre, walking to the car, where Lata burst into tears, and confirming the real meaning of the words “all right”, when Anuj asks her “if she is alright”.
Characterization of Lata and Anuj
Through Lata’s explanation of her
When people move away from their home country and settle down in another country, it can be challenging to identify oneself with other cultural values. Especially in our postmodern society where everything seems to move faster in different directions and create complementary differences between the cultures. Susmita Bhattacharya expresses some of these perceptions in the short story “Dusk over Atlantic Wharf” written in 2006.
The story “Dusk over Atlantic Wharf” takes place in modern time in Cardiff, the main city of Wales in the United Kingdom. We follow the married couple Lata and Anuj who original come from India. In the beginning of the story we are, as readers, thrown directly into the action through a use of in-medias-res as composition. With using a third-person narrator with internal point of view, we witness how Lata’s inner thoughts are revealed during her experiences and conversations.
Summary of the short story
The story begins with a conversation between Lata and Anuj about whether they should go out for dinner or not which also gives an impression of their relationship. Then Lata observes the environment outside which introduces the surroundings. She continues telling about situations from her past and about her present location between her humble conversations with Anuj. They decide to go out and watch a movie. When they arrive to the leisure center, Lata observes the many different families and while she waits for Anuj to buy the tickets, a man notices her significantly. She speculates about the words “are you alright?” They watch a movie which plot takes place in Lata’s home city, and therefore she is very dedicated to the movie. The story ends with Lata and Anuj coming out of the theatre, walking to the car, where Lata burst into tears, and confirming the real meaning of the words “all right”, when Anuj asks her “if she is alright”.
Characterization of Lata and Anuj
Through Lata’s explanation of her