Title: "The Address" by Marga Minco - Detailed Summary and Analysis

Introduction:
"The Address" is a poignant short story written by Marga Minco, a Dutch author known for her works
centered around the experiences of World War II. Published in 1957, the story offers a powerful
portrayal of the impact of war, loss, and identity on individuals. This set of detailed notes provides an
in-depth summary and analysis of "The Address" to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the
story.

Summary:
After ringing the doorbell of Mrs. Dorling who lived at Number 46, Marconi Street, the
protagonist was given a cold reception and Mrs Dorling took much time to recognize
her. Mrs Dorling had thought everyone in the protanogist’s family was dead and
asked if anyone else had come along with her. Mrs Dorling refused to let the
protagonist inside her home and told her to come back sometime later. The
protagonist recognized her mother’s green cardigan which Mrs Dorling was wearing.
She decided to go back to the train station and thought about her mother and how
she told her about Mrs. Dorling who was an acquaintance of hers. During the war,
Mrs Dorling would visit their house and take their possessions with her as she didn’t
want them to get lost if they ever left the place. Mrs. Dorling had a broad back.
The protagonist decided to go to Mrs Dorling’s home to get back their belongings.
When she rang the bell, Mrs. Dorling’s daughter answered the door. She let her in
and asked her to wait in the living room. When they were crossing the passage, the
protagonist noticed their Hanukkah candle stand that they had never used because
it had been unmanageable. When she reached the living room, she was horrified as
she saw all her mother’s things that were arranged in a tasteless manner. The
furniture was ugly and the room had a muggy smell and it made her disinterested
and she wanted to leave the place. Mrs. Dorling’s daughter offered her a cup of tea
and the protagonist noticed the old table cloth that had a burn mark on it. When the
girl was showing her the silver fork and spoons that actually belonged to the
protagonist, she jumped up and walked out of the house. She decided not to visit the
place again as it brought back memories of the past and hence, she decided to
forget the address.

Analysis:
1. Theme of Loss: "The Address" delves deeply into the theme of loss. The protagonist's forced
departure from her home represents the loss of safety, stability, and identity. The story highlights the
profound impact of war and persecution on individuals and their sense of belonging.

2. Memory and Nostalgia: Throughout the story, Minco explores the power of memory and nostalgia.
The address serves as a symbol of the past, a link to the life the protagonist and her family had to
leave behind. It becomes a source of hope, representing a better future and a desire for normalcy
amidst the chaos of war.

3. Identity and Survival: The protagonist's struggle with identity is a central aspect of the story. As a
Jewish individual in a hostile environment, she must conceal her heritage to protect herself and her
family. This highlights the challenges faced by marginalized communities during times of conflict and
the lengths they go to ensure their survival.

4. Symbolism: Minco effectively employs symbolism to enhance the story's impact. The address
symbolizes the loss, longing, and hope that pervade the narrative. It represents the shattered lives of
the protagonist and her family, the longing for a return to normalcy, and the resilience that sustains
them through their ordeal.
5. Narrative Technique: Minco's storytelling technique contributes to the emotional resonance of the
story. Her concise yet evocative language and vivid imagery immerse readers in the protagonist's
experiences and evoke a sense of empathy for her plight.

CHARACTERIZATION
In "The Address" by Marga Minco, the story revolves around the experiences of a young Jewish girl
and her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. While the characters remain
unnamed, they play crucial roles in conveying the themes and emotions portrayed in the narrative.
The main characters in the story include:

1. Protagonist (Young Jewish Girl): The story's narrator and protagonist is a young Jewish girl who
experiences the hardships of war and persecution. She is the lens through which readers witness the
events of the story, providing insights into the emotional impact of loss, fear, and the struggle for
identity.

2. Protagonist's Parents: The protagonist's parents play a significant role in the story. They face the
challenges of protecting their family and navigating the uncertainties brought about by the war. Their
actions and decisions reflect the profound impact of loss and the lengths they go to ensure their
survival. In the story, the narrator’s mother has been called as Mrs S. She was a simpleton who could
not see the manipulating and fraudulent nature of Mrs Dorling, her acquaintance. She trusted Mrs
Dorling and allowed her to keep all her precious belongings for the time being.

3. Protagonist's Older Brother: The protagonist's older brother is a presence throughout the story,
but his fate remains unclear. His disappearance highlights the tragic consequences of the war and
adds to the protagonist's sense of loss and isolation.

4.Non-Jewish Individuals:
The story includes interactions between the protagonist and her non-Jewish school friends and
neighbors.
These characters represent the wider society in which the protagonist is forced to hide her true
identity.
The fear of being discovered and the need to fit in lead the protagonist to conceal her Jewish
heritage from these individuals.

5.The Address (Symbolic Character):

Mrs Dorling: She has been described as an old acquaintance of‘Mrs S. After a long gap, she appeared
again during the war. She possessed a cunning personality. She is most reluctant to recognise the
daughter and does not allow her to enter the house.The address of the protagonist's former home
holds a significant role in the story.
It represents the life the protagonist and her family had before the war, symbolizing safety, stability,
and a sense of belonging.
The address serves as a recurring symbol throughout the story, embodying the longing for normalcy
and hope amidst the chaos of war.
It highlights the profound loss experienced by the protagonist and becomes a poignant reminder of
the shattered lives of those affected by the conflict.

While most of the characters in "The Address" are unnamed, their experiences and interactions
provide a glimpse into the devastating effects of war, loss, and the quest for identity during a
tumultuous period in history.
Conclusion:
"The Address" by Marga Minco is a poignant and powerful short story that captures the devastating
effects of war and persecution on individuals and their sense of identity. Through its exploration of
loss, memory, and survival, the story invites readers to reflect on the resilience of marginalized
communities during times of crisis. Minco's skillful use of symbolism and narrative technique
enhances the emotional impact of the story, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.