In medias res

"The Revolt of 'Mother"' begins in medias res, literally "in the midst of things." In this case it is a conversation between a long-married couple. This conversation hearkens back in time forty years, to the day that Adoniram and Sarah married and he promised her a new house. The reader is quickly apprised of the present situation— the fact that there has been no house but that workers are breaking ground for a new barn— and that the Penns now have an engaged daughter who wants a more impressive dwelling for her wedding.

"The Revolt of 'Mother"' was originally written as piece of magazine fiction, and the technique of in media res effectively draws the reader quickly into the story. The provocative title also serves to entice readers immediately. They are forewarned of an unexpected "revolt" that will seem at odds with...