Genre
Drama
Setting and Context
Much of the short story is set in the Mayfair District in London
Narrator and Point of View
Told from a third-person perspective.
Tone and Mood
The short story takes a matter-of-fact and reflective tone and a somber mood.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Rosemary Fell is the story's protagonist and her doubts and insecurities are its antagonists.
Major Conflict
When Rosemary asks herself (and Phillip) if she is pretty forms the major conflict of the story. Rosemary has tremendous self doubt about herself and the people around her.
Climax
When Rosemary asks Philip "Am I pretty?"
Foreshadowing
Miss Smith being introduced as a poor person without much money for food foreshadows her eating a lot of food and drinking a lot of tea when given the opportunity.
Understatement
Rosemary's jealously is understated throughout the short story.
Allusions
There are allusions to history, other novels, and feminism.
Imagery
Throughout the short story, there is vivid imagery illustrating how dirty and dingy London was during the time.
Paradox
Seemingly, Rosemary has a happy and healthy life; however, she isn't content with it.
Parallelism
Not applicable.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
"Westminster" is used as a metonym for the government of the United Kingdom.
Personification
The cup of tea mentioned in the short story's title is personified and given human-like characteristics.
