Language

Style of language

The language of the short story “A Very Short Story” by Ernest Hemingway is neutral. The style is curt and minimalistic, focusing on transmitting the information as concisely as possible. The sentences are short, and the vocabulary uses common words. For instance: 

There were chimney swifts in the sky. After a while it got dark and the searchlights came out. The others went down and took the bottles with them. He and Luz could hear them on the balcony. Luz sat on the bed. She was cool and fresh in the hot night. (ll. 2-4)

The story has no dialogue. The communication between the characters is conveyed using indirect speech. This creates the impression of a confession. There is also a hint of sadness and nostalgia throughout the story, even at the beginning when the happy start of the couple’s relations...