Language

Choice of words

The language in “An Act of Vengeance” by Rosemund J. Handler stands out through the use of contrasts between positive and negative depictions of setting elements. Some example of negative words are: “dirty water” (p. 86, l. 6), “greasy dishes” (p. 86, l. 26), “grimy liquid” (p. 86, l. 26), “slimy things” (p. 86, l. 27), “hoarse and angry” (p. 88, l. ), “muffled but commanding” (p. 89, l. 10),“unfamiliar rustle of sound” (p. 89, l. ), etc.

Other more positive or neutral descriptions include: “decent life” (p. 86, l. 8), “brave new country” (p. 86, l. 11), “shiny new dishwasher” (p. 86, l. 28), “pristine, heraldic” (p. 86, l. 28), “rectangular metallic presence” (p. 88, l. 9). Also notice the “useless, spotless dishwasher” (p. 86, l. 34) which includes contrast within the description of the same object. These contrasting descriptions reflect Pauline’s perspective on her environment, her work, or the rape incident. By using such contrasts, the author relies on language to further enhance the idea of conflict both between Miss C. Bester and Pauline, and between white people and black people in post-apartheid South African society. Most of the setting elements become symbols of these conflicts.

The text also includes two dialect words, “hau” (p. 86, l...