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25 pages • 50 minutes read
Sinclair RossThe Painted Door
Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1941A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Literary Devices
Pathetic Fallacy
Pathetic fallacy is a term used to ascribe human emotions to natural elements, most often the weather. The winter storm in “The Painted Door” is an example of pathetic fallacy. The storm has a temperament of its own and, in particular, takes on attributes of Ann’s emotional turmoil, intensifying the ominous mood of the story. The protagonist’s brooding thoughts are fed by the raging storm that keeps her isolated, creating narrative tension. When Ann is most conflicted and unsure, the storm crescendos, and when she tries to step outside, she feels like the storm is choking her. By the morning, when she reaches her emotional resolution about John, the storm has cleared.
Irony
Irony is when the expected outcome of a situation and reality do not match up. Sometimes, irony can be humorous, but in “The Painted Door,” its effect is bleak and tragic. The story’s ending utilizes situational irony as Ann’s epiphany that she loves John is juxtaposed with the revelation her husband is dead. Ann’s fear of being abandoned for one night becomes a realization that she faces the future alone. Situational irony is also inherent in John’s decision to send Steven to keep Ann company while he is at his father’s. In doing so, John creates a scenario he does not anticipate, facilitating his wife’s infidelity. Ross also uses dramatic irony in his portrayal of Steven, allowing readers to see what Ann does not. While Ann admires Steven for his differences from John, readers are encouraged to recognize that these qualities make him unreliable and “conscience-less.”
Foils
John and Steven are character foils. Their opposing qualities create a strong contrast, further highlighting their characteristics. John is rugged, and Steven is clean-shaven. John is humble and hardworking, while Steven is arrogant and carefree. Their opposing character traits thematically present Ann with two different choices for her future. With John, she feels dragged down by practicality and monotony. Steven, however, offers a glimpse at how life could be more exciting. Ann’s epiphany entails the realization that Steven lacks the dependability and commitment of John.
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a hint or suggestion of a future event. In “The Painted Door,” foreshadowing is frequently used, making the story’s tone more foreboding. One example of this is Ann’s allusion to the double wheel around the moon. The superstitious signal of a bad storm to come and Ann’s anxiety about the sign increase narrative tension.
Additionally, foreshadowing is used when Ann tells Steven that John always comes back, no matter how strong the storm. She repeats this belief or thinks it several times until she lets Steven talk her out of it. The story’s ending confirms that John did return in the storm with disastrous results. Another example of foreshadowing is when Steven says to Ann that it would be “suicide” to go out in the storm, hinting at John’s fate. While John’s intentions are not explicitly stated, Steven’s words suggest that John was aware of the intensity of the storm and knew he was going outside to his death.
