Language
The language of “The Spoiled Child” by Sinéad de Valera mirrors the fairy-tale genre with classical fairy-tale expressions like “once upon a time” (p. 81, l. 1) or old forms of address such as “Why pray?” (p. 82, l. 38). Additionally, the choice of words reflects the Irish setting, including Irish words like “Failte” (p. 83, l. 19) or “bioran suain” (p. 86, l. 35). Most of the sentences are short, clear and explicative, and narrative passages are mixed with dialogue.
Imagery
Imagery refers to visual images and sensory details created through descriptive words, which helps the readers imagine the action, the characters, and the setting.
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Here, we focus on the next elements of imagery:
- Similes and comparisons
- Metaphors
- Aphorisms/Maxims
Similes and comparisons
Several similes and comparisons are employed in the text, related to the characters. Young Aisling is compared to her child-self in terms of beauty: “Aisling as a grown girl was as beautiful as she had been as a child.” (p. 82, ll. 14-15)
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Symbols
As with any fairy-tale, the short story is filled with symbolism, designed to make it more appealing and emphasise its moral message.
The magical bracelet given to Aisling is a symbol of her change from a spoiled child to a kinder person. Whenever the girl does a good deed, the bracelet becomes more beautiful.
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