Language
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Irony and humor
The narrative and dialogue rely heavily on irony, highlighting the absurdity of the dystopian world. For instance, the painter replies to Leora Duncan’s remark that the painting “ ‘looks just like heaven or something’ ” (p. 229, ll. 13-14), with “ ‘Or something’ ” (p. 229, l. 15).
Similarly, Wehling replies to Dr. Hitz’s remark that he doesn’t sound very happy, by stating: “ ‘What man in my shoes wouldn’t b…
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Metaphors
The painter describes life as: “a foul dropcloth” (p. 228, l. 8). This metaphor ties in with his subsequent remark that “ ‘the world could do with a good deal more mess, if you ask me’ ” (p. 228, ll. 31-32), to suggest that he sees life as chaotic and messy. The metaphor suggests that it is unnatural and wrong to try to fit life into strict, orderly para…
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Symbols
The waiting room can be seen as a symbol of society, as it “had a disorderly and demoralized air” (p. 227, ll. 3-4) where Wehling fits in perfectly. Wehling fits perfectly there because he is a typical product of this new society, which does not work as well as it is supposed to. The image of the floor “paved with spattered dropcloths” (p. 227, ll. 5-6) reminds readers of the people who have to sacrifice their lives to ensure the functioning of this society, while also foreshadowing the story’s climax, as the spattered paint will become spattered with blood.
Another symbol is the mural The Happy Garden of Life which is supposed to represent life in the dystopian world of the story. It actual…
