The Cell - Short Story Analysis

The short story 'The Cell' is about a man who has just been confined to prison, and is examining his surroundings within his cell. He describes in detail all the objects in the solitary cell, like the toilet, bed, wash basin, tap, and the barred window. The prisoner tries in vain to keep his spirits high, making minor resolutions throughout the story. His greatly optimistic view of the situation and determination to remain positive is continually overpowered by devastating discoveries and realisations. During the story the prisoner slowly comes to terms with the harsh reality of his situation.

The author develops the characters growing awareness of the situation through the way the reader is taken through the prisoners cataloguing of his surroundings. Throughout the story, the prisoner’s determination to stay positive and aim to find the best in the situation is conveyed through the various resolutions that he makes. His spirits are shattered time after time, when he realise...