Language

The short story’s simple language makes the text accessible to all types of readers. The choice of words is closely connected with the plot and the setting as it includes words related to life in the African bush but also to the field of work.

The direct address used at the beginning of “Saving Mr Ugwu” by Lin Anderson helps build a connection with the readers and gets them involved in the story: “He waits for rain as you or I wait for a knock at the door; for the telephone to ring; listening.” (ll. 1-2)

The story is mostly conveyed in the narrative mode presenting the thoughts and actions of the main character, the only exception being the flashback dialogue between Mr Ugwu and his wife:

‘And what about our children?’
A well-aimed blow.
‘Tch!’ (ll. 28-30)

Conveying the story in the discursive mode allows the author to use imagery (descriptive language) which shows the readers what is happening and the setting:

Round the single-storey mud bungalow, his wife’s garden has been plucked, fighting and kicking, from the African bush. Plants and shrubs, forced into blood-red soil and given their twice-daily watering, have responded in a riot of colour against the thorny grey backdrop... (ll. 7-9)

A number of linguistic devices make the story more appealing and add to its meaning:

Similes

A few similes show something about the characters through comparison. The word ‘bushman’ is used by Mrs Ugwu...