The Thing in the Forest

What is the socio-historical context for this story?

Explore the literary devices in this story. How does Byatt use these devices to create the story’s physical and emotional setting?

In what ways do Penny and Primrose’s characterizations differ?

What is the “the thing in the forest”?

Discuss the story’s representation of trauma’s effects and critique their accuracy in relation to trauma studies.

Under which genre(s) would you classify this short story? Why?

What catalyst(s) push(es) Penny and Primrose to revisit the forest?

What devices does Byatt use to describe England’s physical setting before and after the war? How do these devices achieve their effect?