Setting

Physical setting

The short story “A Pair of Jeans” by Qaisra Shahraz takes place in the North-West of England. 

At the beginning of the story, Miriam returns from a hike in the Peak District, and she has chosen clothes needed to wear “for hill walking”. However, once she comes close to her house, she becomes self-conscious about her appearance:

 Somehow here, in the vicinity of her home, however, she felt different. As she crossed the road and headed for her own street, she was very conscious of her appearance and hoped that she would not meet anyone she knew. 

This highlights Miriam’s duality. It appears that she changes according to the expectations of the environment. It also places the two environments in contrast. Walking in the hills in comfortable clothes represents freedom. However, the confines of Miriam’s house, especially when her future in-l...