Literary Criticism: Got A Letter From Jimmy (Shirley Jackson)

 

The plot tells us the story of a married couple, apparently normal, one day arrives a letter written by John. This causes a violent tempest between the two, the wife wants to read it, the husband hasn't intention to open it and he plans to return the letter unopened.

We know the thoughts of the wife, her frustration towards her husband result in violent thoughts to the point of killing him.

We know a little about her husband, he is outwardly calm and dismissive, his refusal to open the letter is devastating.

The themes are frustrations and the unknown which lead to violence.

So the final dilemma is Who is Jimmy?