Language

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Descriptive language

Descriptive language is used as well, and usually in connection with the characters and setting. In this fictional story, the author makes use of vivid and descriptive language which appeals to human senses to add depth to the story. This is typical of fiction.

For example, the narrator uses language that refers to appearance and smell to describe characters: “Uncle wears a suit with old trainers and no socks. He's a bit smelly too” (l. 78). Language that refers to movement and appearance can also reflect the physical well-being of a character, showing if the character is healthy or not: “His eyes are bloody and seem almost sightless” (l. 126). Similarly, language that refers to appearance and movement is also used to describe the setting of the story: “I watch the moths…

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Symbols

The car is a symbol of instability. Because the family does not have a house, they have an uncertain future as they are at risk of being separated from each other if found out to be homeless, and they are also exposed to health risks. The car symbolises this instability because it is an object designed to move around a lot. Also, the family never park in the same place two nights in a row (ll. 41-42), and their cover story is that they are driving towards their grandparent’s house (ll. 44-45). This shows an unstable lifestyle as the family do not have a permanent place to stay, and it also reflects their search for a new home.

The laundromat symbolises a place of safety. When the father does not show up to pick up the children from school, the narrator has to think of a place where he can safely wait: “I don't know where to go until I remember the laundromat. It's warm and light and open until ten …