Death
Many of Urquhart's protagonists are confronted with death, whether it is dealing with their own impending death, the death of a loved one, or even the death of a relationship. For example, in the story "The Death of Robert Browning," Urquhart is inspired by the literary figure Robert Browning, and imagines what he might have thought and done on his last day. In "Storm Glass," the protagonist is also facing death, and as a mother this comes with its own unique difficulties.
Memories
Urquhart often writes from a personal perspective, with characters recalling and reminiscing their past and memories. For example, in "Stone Glass," an unnamed mother looks back and remembers fond memories with her children. She vividly remembers a particular day on which they visited the coast, and her children were looking for sea glass.
