The Portable Phonograph

In "The Portable Phonograph," the author uses the setting to create a dark and vengeful
atmosphere. This suggests that the destruction human conflict causes is permanent. The story
takes place in a post-apocalyptic world after war. To start things off, the story describes a road
cutting through desolation. Suggesting that there’s still a way forward despite all devastation.
This road signifies resilience and potential for something new. The devastated wasteland is filled
with its aftermath. Bomb craters scar the landscape, highlighting the lasting damage caused by
conflict. It’s clear that even though they try to, nature can’t heal everything over time. A phrase
mentions a small fire lit inside of a cell, this fire symbolizes hope in what would be an otherwise
hopeless world. But it’s weak and described as feeble which hints at it not being enough to
overcome the despair that lingers everywhere else. Furthermore, a crimson sunset represents
revenge and anger. While usually a sign of change, here it shows us that the damage from this
war is irreversible. "The Portable Phonograph" uses its setting to show how human conflict can
cause irreversible destruction while hinting at new beginnings hidden among darkness.