Language

The language of the short story “Monster under the Bed” by Lezanne Clannachan is simple and easy to follow. The choice of words—“daft buggar” (l. 12)— reflects the local English colour, as well as the setting of the train station.

Dialogue and narrative passages are well-balanced. Dialogue is used to let the characters reveal themselves to the readers through language. Narrative passages provide descriptions of the setting, of the characters’ thoughts, and their background. 

Imagery (descriptive words designed to create mental images) is only used occasionally in the short story, either in connection with the characters or the setting:

Eddie pulls up his hood and rests his head on the back of the bench. Above him, the glass ceiling of Waterloo station soars away. The space makes him dizzy. Feels like he’s inside a giant hot-air balloon flying close to the sun. (ll. 1-3)

She laughs at his bad joke, the light catching a diamond piercing above her lip. She’s wearing a lot of make-up. Trying to look younger than she is. Like his mum, so careful with her makeup every morning. (ll. 31-33)

From time to time, the author also uses figurative language to convey deeper meanings about the characters’ feelings. The quotation “The word ‘mum’ makes an anxious bubble in his stomach,” (ll. 49-50) suggests that Eddie has issues with his mother. We later find out that his mother’s agoraphobia and possibly depression make Eddie feel trapped, sad, and angry at the same time.

Another instance of figurative language which suggests Eddie’s feelings of entrapment is related to the setting: “The evening sky pushes the glass ceiling towards him, the vast hangar space no longer taking his breath away.” (ll. 68-69)

Additionally, the author uses various similes, rheto...