Language

Choice of words and style of writing

The language used by Daniel Alarcón in his short story “a strong dead man” is characterized by a mix of formal and informal styles. The formal style is recognizable in the narrator’s descriptions, where longer sentences and more complex words are used: “Rafael had begun to understand that life bends you, forms you, creates the spaces you fill without hope or interest in the particulars of your plans.” (ll. 20-21).  The informal style is reflected in the use of slang, expletives, and informal expressions such as  “Oh shit!” (l. 48); “fucked up” (l. 60); “whizzed by” (l. 74); “Mario had the science” (l. 85), etc. These give the story authenticity by conveying the mixed-language and informal way of speaking of the characters.

This is also achieved by mixing Spanish words with English: “ ‘Dios mio, it's hot,’ she said.” (...