Analyse af Dana Miltins' novelle 'You Are Here'

The short story” you are here” by Dana Miltins tells of an odd couple currently living in a caravan in the Australian desert. Their relationship has hit a crossroad, the woman wants to have children, while her partner does not. We might have all experienced hitting a crossroad and facing the big challenges in life, but this time the relationships ends because of miscommunication and distrust.

The main character in “you are here” by Dana Miltins is the woman. The woman is in an unwanted long-term relationship with the man. The couple have different expectations and communication issues and seem unable to solve them. The story relies on flashbacks to show how the conflict between the man and the woman revolves. The man moved away to “try out the world without her” (l. 11) but told her the complete opposite: “he told her it was an opportunity to save. For a house, maybe. For the two of them.” (ll. 11-12). This shows us the couples’ differences and the lack of good communication.

Another important character in the short story is the snake catcher. The snake catcher is important because he represents an alternative to her partner. The woman is impressed by his strength and his gentle way with the animal he has captured – he does not kill it; he gives the snake a second chance: “enjoying his touch as if they’re casual lovers” (ll. 84-85) this shows that he is gentle with the snake. The way the snake catcher handles the snake is the women’s way she wanted to be treated by a man. The snake catcher and the woman also take a drink and have fun.