Language

Choice of words

The most striking feature of the language used in the short story "Just Like That" by Michael Richards is the many graphic descriptions of violence. As the boy and the man goes on their hunting trip, the results of their actions are described in very direct and disturbing terms, with many detailed references to the blood and gore they leave in their wake: "Its throat was spongy with blood. [...] Blood poured from his nostrils. [...] The blood thickened quickly." (ll. 32-37)

In contrast to the descriptions of violence, there are also sections where the story draws in Christian references and metaphors, especially related to Jesus and his empathy for those who suffer: "He watches while the man strolled among the cripples blessing each with his wand" (p. 27, ll. 23-24). These references form a strange contrast to the descriptions of violence, as the typical Christian message is about compassion and healing, yet the boy and the man are clearly agents of destruction. The effect of these religious references therefore becomes ironic, though they might also point to the idea that the man and the boy believe they are doing something good and respectable.  

The story mostly consists o...