Language

Style of language

The tone of the story “The Mother of the Child in Question” by Doris Lessing appears to be detached throughout, with the exception of the ending. Following his revelation, Stephen Bentley suddenly appears to be emotionally involved in the situation. His emotional involvement is expressed through rhetorical questions, such as: “what was she going to learn at the special school better than she was getting from her family?” (p. 155, ll. 32-33). A similar effect is achieved through exclamations: “She just wouldn’t agree to it! Why it was a wonderful thing, a miracle!” (p. 156, ll. 1-2) and italics: “That woman, that mother would not admit her little girl was simple” (pp. 155-156, ll. 37-1). It all suggests his admiration for Mrs Khan for her strong will and her unconditional love for her daughter. It also suggests a change in his mindset.

The choice of words in the m...