In this story, Shirley Jackson creates havoc and intense confusion over the loss of a sneaker. You may find this story difficult to follow only because of the manner in which it is written. The author purposely creates a tone that causes the reader to read quickly through the selection. The mother is portrayed as a wound-up, but good natured parent who takes pride in, and finds humor in, her ability to locate the things that she has picked up and put away. However, the family crisis begins when the mother is unable to locate Laurie's sneaker.
Several actions take place at the same time to emphasize the hectic nature of the household.
There are several clues in the story that point to where the sneaker may be hiding.