Language

Style of language

The language used in the short story “Bedtimes” by Tim Parks is simple and straightforward. First, it is important to notice that the story is written using the present tense, a choice which suggests the idea of a routine. The story’s ending reinforces the idea that the week that has passed is part of a routine between Thomas and Mary: “Another week has gone by” (ll. 114-115). The story also mentions precise times. For example: “Monday evening, 10:30” (l. 1), or even “Tuesday evening, 10:45” (l. 6). This makes the account sound slightly detached and also stresses the idea of an ongoing problem between Mary and Thomas.

The feeling of repetition is also suggested by the days of the week, which mark the beginning of paragraphs: “Sunday evenings, Thomas has always taken ...