Characters

 Narrator: The unnamed protagonist serves as the story’s central voice, sharing
her childhood memories and reflections on her mother and the wartime dance.
She grapples with her own identity and struggles to understand her mother’s
complex personality.
 Narrator’s Mother: A woman of mixed social standing, having risen from rural
roots to become a schoolteacher. She navigates the challenges of fitting in
between two worlds, feeling both out of place in the town and disconnected from
her rural upbringing.
 The Prostitute: An enigmatic figure encountered at the wartime dance, leaving a
lasting impression on the narrator. Her beauty and glamour are juxtaposed with
the harsh reality of her profession.
 Narrator’s Father: A supportive but somewhat distant figure, often absent from
the narrator’s childhood memories.
 The Narrator’s Aunts and Uncles: Representing the narrator’s rural family, they
remain skeptical of the narrator’s mother’s social aspirations.
 The Town People: A collective entity representing the social circle into which the
narrator’s mother strives to integrate. Their acceptance remains elusive,
highlighting the class divisions and social barriers she encounters.

Other characters:

 Narrator’s sibling: brother and sister

 Young men in Air Force uniforms/The soldiers
 The crying woman/Peggy
 Narrator’s school bullies
 The woman in the fur coat
 The dance organizers
 The town gossips
 Hunchbacked man
 The owner of the pool room
  A man worked in the foundry / A man dancing with the prostitute
 Mrs. Hutchison
 The Narrator’s Mother’s Friends
 Some couples

Setting

 The short story “Voices” by Alice Munro is set in rural Canada during the Great
Depression, most likely in the late 1920s or early 1930s.
 Story have taken place during the colder months, with the possibility of snow
and ice
 Night-time
Primary settings:
 Wartime Dance: The central event of the story takes place at a wartime dance
held in a farmhouse near the narrator’s home.
 Rural Community and Town: The story also explores the narrator’s
experiences in two contrasting settings: her rural upbringing and the town
where she later lives with her mother.

Secondary Settings:
 Narrator’s Home: The narrator’s home, situated between the rural community
and the town
 Furniture Dealers’ Shops: The furniture dealers’ shops, where the narrator’s
mother acquires and sells antique furniture
 Narrator’s school
 A large wooden house
Plot

‘’Voices’’ tells a story of a young girl’s encounter with wartime prostitution at a

neighborhood dance and the enduring impressions that this encounter has made on
her. The narrator also shares memories of her mother, who attended the dance with her.

 Exposition:

The story begins with the author describing their childhood home and their mother’s
preparations for a dance that is being held there.

The author introduces the theme of financial hardship, as they mention the “doctor’s
bills” that their mother is worried about.

The author also introduces the theme of social standing, as they describe their mother’s
desire to be a part of the adult world, despite their lack of means.

 Rising Action:

The author attends the dance with their mother and is immediately drawn to a
mysterious woman in an orange dress.

The woman’s presence creates a sense of excitement and intrigue, as the author
describes her exotic beauty and confident demeanour.

The author’s fascination with the woman is further heightened by her interaction with a
group of young men, who seem to be drawn to her allure.

 Climax:

The author’s fascination with the woman reaches its peak when they observe her
dancing with one of the young men.

The author describes the scene in vivid detail, capturing the woman’s sensuality and the
man’s desire.

This scene marks the culmination of the author’s growing fascination and the tension
that has been building throughout the story.
  Falling Action:

The author’s focus shifts to their own memories of childhood, as they are reminded of
the woman’s presence.

The author reflects on their mother’s unfulfilled aspirations and the challenges she faced
in life.

This reflection leads to a sense of disillusionment and disappointment, as the author

confronts the harsh realities of adulthood.

 Resolution:

The author leaves the dance, seeking solace in the fresh air of the outdoors.

The story ends with a sense of ambiguity, as the author’s future remains uncertain.

However, there is also a hint of hope, as the author seems to be moving towards a
greater understanding of themselves and the complexities of life.

Theme

 The passage of time and the complexities of growing up: The dance represents
the author’s transition from childhood to adulthood, with all the challenges and
uncertainties that come with it.

 The struggle for self-discovery: The author’s fascination with the mysterious
woman reflects their own search for identity as they navigate the pressures of
social expectations and their own sense of belonging.
  The impact of social class: The dance highlights the stark social divisions of the
time, with the author’s family struggling to maintain their status while the
mysterious woman embodies an exotic and alluring world beyond their reach.

 The power of memories: The author’s recollections of the dance serve as a

mirror for their own life, allowing them to reflect on their experiences, confront
their disillusionment, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves.

 The challenges of navigating womanhood: The story explores the pressures and
expectations faced by women in a society shaped by gender roles, as the author
witnesses the stark contrast between her mother’s unfulfilled aspirations and the
mysterious woman’s confident self-expression.

Moral

 The moral of the story is that life is full of complexities and contradictions, and
that growing up means learning to navigate these challenges and find our own
place in the world. The author’s journey from childhood innocence to adulthood
disillusionment is not easy, but it is ultimately a necessary step in their search for
identity and self-discovery. The story also reminds us that the past is always with
us, and that our memories can be both a source of comfort and a catalyst for
change.

Some of the specific lessons :

 Don’t be afraid to explore the unknown: The author’s fascination with the
mysterious woman is what leads them to confront the complexities of adulthood.
While it is important to be cautious and aware of the dangers that exist in the
world, it is also important to be open to new experiences and to challenge our
preconceptions.
  Be true to yourself: The author’s struggle to find her place in the world is a
reflection of the challenges that we all face as we grow up. It is important to be
true to ourselves, even if it means going against the expectations of others.

 The past is always with us: The author’s memories of the dance serve as a
reminder that the past is always a part of us. Our experiences, both positive and
negative, shape who we are and how we navigate the world.

 Life is full of contradictions: The story is full of contradictions, from the stark
contrast between the author’s childhood innocence and her adulthood
disillusionment, to the mysterious woman’s allure and enigma. Accepting that life
is messy and unpredictable is an important part of growing up.

 Find your own path: The author’s journey is ultimately about finding her own
place in the world. We all have our own unique paths to follow, and it is important
to be true to ourselves and to find what makes us happy.

Mood

 Happiness and joy while they’re dancing.

 Nostalgia and Sentimentality: A wistful longing for the past, as the narrator
revisits memories of her childhood and the formative experiences that shaped
her identity.

 Intrigue and Curiosity: The encounter with an enigmatic prostitute introduces an

element of intrigue, highlighting the narrator’s grappling with adult life and
societal complexities.
 Introspection and Self-Discovery: The narrator delves into her memories,
questioning her identity and relationship with her mother’s aspirations, embarking on
a journey of self-examination.

 Empathy and Understanding: The narrator’s interactions with diverse characters

foster empathy, encouraging readers to approach the world with compassion and
understanding.

Imagery

 Kinesthetic Imagery:
o Some Shifting weight from one foot to the other.
o Brush of the prostitute's hand against the narrator’s arm.
o Tightening hands into fists.
o Peggy gave one loud sniffle, and the young man nearest to her kept stroking
her upper leg. Her skirt was pulled up and I saw the fastener holding her
stocking.
 Auditory Imagery:
o Sound of the narrator’s mother’s voice being soft and pleasant.
o Sound of the music being thumping and fiddle music.
o Sound of the young men’s voices being urgent and even tender.
o Scraping of chairs and clinking of glasses at the dance.
o Soft music playing at the dance.
o Rustling of the prostitute's dress.
 Visual Imagery:
o Large wooden house for the dance.
o Mother's dress made of black velvet with tiny beads.
o Braided and pinned hairstyle.
o Woman in the orange dress with noble shoulders and broad hips.
o Woman's dress made of golden-orange taffeta with low square neck.
o Staircase described as narrow.
 Tactile Imagery:
 o Feel of the narrator’s dress made of soft winter wool.
o Feel of the woman’s dress being soft and silky.
o Feel of the young men’s hands being comforting.

 Olfactory Imagery:
o Smell of the "doctor’s bills" being dreadful.
o Scent of the woman’s perfume being overpowering
o Smell of the "dusty" farmhouse.
o Sweet smell of the prostitute's perfume contrasting with the earthy smells.
o Fresh smell of the outdoors as they leave the dance.
o Smell of the girl’s perfume being sweet and floral.
 Gustatory Imagery:
o Taste of the punch served at the dance being sour.
o Sweetness of memories associated with the dance.
o Bitter taste of disappointment and disillusionment related to the mother's
unfulfilled aspirations.

Symbolism

 The story is rich in symbolism, with the dance representing the adult world, the
prostitute representing temptation and danger, the farmhouse symbolizing the
past, the orange dress representing the prostitute’s exotic presence, and the
music symbolizing the passage of time.

The Wartime Dance: A microcosm of the broader societal tensions and class divisions of
the time, representing a rite of passage for the narrator.

The Prostitute : Symbolizes the allure and mystery of adult life, as well as the moral
ambiguities that exist in society.
The Farmhouse: Represents the narrator's rural upbringing, the passage of time, and
her mother's aspirations for social mobility.

The Narrator's Reflection: Symbolizes the process of self-discovery, as the narrator

confronts her identity, childhood experiences, and challenges of navigating the world.

The Narrator's Mother's Dress: Represents her aspirations for social mobility and her
attempts to escape rural life.

The Dancing Couples: Symbolize the complexities of adult relationships and the social
norms of the time.

The Narrator's Observations of Others: Represent her growing awareness of the world
around her and the challenges faced by individuals from different social backgrounds.

The Departure of the Soldiers: Symbolizes the end of childhood and the transition to
adulthood, leaving behind the innocence of the past.

The Narrator's Memories: Represent the enduring impact of childhood experiences and
the process of piecing together one's past to understand the present.

The Narrator's Voice: Symbolizes her evolving identity, her growing self-awareness, and
her ability to articulate her own thoughts and experiences.

The Path to the Farmhouse: The path leading to the farmhouse, described as "long and
winding," symbolizes the narrator's journey through her memories and the complexities
of her identity. The path's length and twists and turns suggest the intricate nature of self-
discovery and the challenges of navigating the past to understand the present.

The Music at the Dance: The music at the dance, shifting between "soft" and "loud,"
symbolizes the narrator's fluctuating emotions and the contrasts between the innocence
of childhood and the complexities of adulthood. The music's varying tempos mirror the
narrator's shifting perspectives and the intensity of her experiences.

The Narrator's Mother's Hands: The narrator's mother's hands, described as "rough and
red," symbolize her hard work and the challenges of rural life. The contrast between her
mother's hands and the prostitute's smooth hands highlights the stark differences in
their social positions and the narrator's struggle to reconcile her mother's aspirations
with her own identity.

The Narrator's Mother's Perfume: The narrator's mother's perfume, described as "sweet
and heavy," symbolizes her attempts to mask the realities of rural life and project a
refined image. The perfume's overpowering scent suggests the narrator's growing
awareness of her mother's struggles and the complexities of her aspirations.

Conflict

The central conflict in the story is the narrator's internal struggle to reconcile her
childhood innocence with the harsh realities of adulthood. This conflict is manifested in
her fascination with the mysterious woman in the orange dress, who represents the
allure and danger of the adult world. The narrator is both drawn to the woman's exotic
beauty and apprehensive of her enigmatic presence.

This internal conflict is further complicated by the narrator's reflections on her mother's
unfulfilled aspirations. The mother's insistence on attending the dance, despite their
financial hardship, suggests her desire to be a part of the adult world, even if it means
sacrificing her own dignity. The narrator's observation of her mother's interactions with
the other women at the dance highlights the social hierarchies and class divisions of the
time.

The dance, therefore, serves as a microcosm of the challenges and contradictions that
the narrator faces as she transitions from childhood to adulthood. The mysterious
woman represents the allure of the unknown and the excitement of new experiences,
while the mother's presence reminds the narrator of the responsibilities and
disappointments that come with growing up.

The narrator’s conflict is ultimately resolved through her decision to leave the dance and
seek solace in the fresh air of the outdoors. This act of self-preservation suggests that
she is beginning to understand the complexities of life and that she is ready to confront
the challenges of adulthood on her own terms.
 My Literary Criticism of Alice Munro’s “Voices

In Alice Munro’s evocative short story, “Voices,” the reader is invited into a world of
subtle complexities, where the passage from childhood innocence to the realities of
adulthood unfolds amidst a tapestry of societal expectations and the indelible imprint of
the past. The story’s unnamed narrator serves as our guide, offering a retrospective
glimpse into a defining moment in her life – a wartime dance that becomes a catalyst for
self-discovery and a poignant reflection on the intricacies of human relationships.

At the heart of the narrative lies the narrator’s mother, a woman who embodies the
struggle for acceptance and the delicate balance between her rural roots and the
aspirations of her teaching profession. Her presence casts a shadow of resilience and
quiet determination, a testament to the challenges faced by women in a society that
often placed them within rigid confines. The narrator feels that her mother is constantly
judging her and that she can never measure up to her expectations. This resentment is
exacerbated by the fact that she’s often teased and bullied by her classmates, and she
blames her mother for making her an easy target.

Despite her resentment, the narrator still loves her mother deeply. She recognizes that
her mother has done the best she can for her, and she appreciates the sacrifices that
her mother has made. Ultimately, the narrator’s love for her mother is a powerful force
that shapes her identity and her relationships with others.

The enigmatic Prostitute, with her alluring presence and air of mystery, descends upon
the wartime dance, becoming a symbol of both temptation and danger. Her interactions
with the narrator serve as a mirror, reflecting the young woman’s growing curiosity about
the complexities of adult life and the allure of the unknown.

Munro masterfully paints a vivid picture of the narrator’s family dynamics, with a
supportive yet distant father and aunts and uncles who embody the skepticism often
found in rural communities. The presence of school bullies and the unspoken
expectations of the town’s residents further shape the social fabric within which the
narrator navigates her own identity.

The story’s setting, a rural Canadian town during the harsh realities of the Great
Depression, provides a poignant backdrop against which the characters’ struggles
unfold. The wartime dance, a microcosm of societal tensions and class divisions,
becomes a pivotal moment for the narrator, marking a symbolic transition from the
sheltered world of childhood to the complexities of adulthood.

As the narrative progresses, the narrator’s fascination with the Prostitute intensifies,
reaching a climax during a dance that marks a turning point in her own perception of the
world. The falling action shifts to a contemplative tone, as the narrator delves into
introspective reflections on her childhood and the unfulfilled aspirations of her mother.
This poignant realization leads to a sense of disillusionment, a bittersweet awakening to
the contradictions and challenges that life inevitably presents.

The resolution of the story sees the narrator leaving the dance, an act that symbolizes
her growing independence and her willingness to forge her own path. This departure,
while hinting at an uncertain future, also carries a glimmer of hope, suggesting the
possibility of self-discovery and personal growth.

Throughout the narrative, Munro explores themes that resonate deeply with the human
experience – the passage of time, the complexities of growing up, the power of
memories, and the impact of social class. These themes are interwoven with moral
lessons that encourage readers to navigate the unknown with courage, to remain true to
oneself, to acknowledge the indelible influence of the past, and to embrace the
contradictions that life inevitably presents.

The story's mood is a tapestry of emotions, skillfully woven by Munro's masterful

storytelling. Happiness and joy intertwine with nostalgia and sentimentality, while
intrigue and curiosity mingle with introspection and empathy. This rich interplay of
emotions draws the reader into the narrator's world, creating a sense of shared
experience and connection.
Munro's use of imagery is both vivid and evocative, employing Kinesthetic, auditory,
visual, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory dimensions to enhance the reader's sensory
experience. The rustling of the Prostitute's dress, the clinking of glasses at the dance,
the lingering scent of perfume, and the sour taste of punch – these sensory details
create a palpable atmosphere, immersing the reader in the story's world.

Symbolism plays a crucial role in deepening the narrative's meaning. The dance itself
becomes a symbol of societal tensions and the allure of the adult world, while the
Prostitute represents both temptation and danger. The farmhouse, steeped in
memories, embodies the narrator's past, while the orange dress worn by the enigmatic
woman signifies exoticism and allure.

The central conflict arises from the narrator's internal struggle to reconcile her childhood
innocence with the realities of adulthood. The Prostitute and her mother's unfulfilled
aspirations become catalysts for this internal conflict, forcing the narrator to confront her
own identity and her place in society.

Ultimately, the story resolves its internal conflict as the narrator, in a poignant act of self-
determination, leaves the dance. This symbolic departure represents a step toward
understanding life's complexities on her own terms, signalling a newfound maturity and
an openness to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Alice Munro's "Voices" stands as a testament to her.

Alice Munro's "Voices" weaves a complex narrative that delves into the themes of
identity, societal expectations, and the inevitable passage from