Language
The language of “Bujak and the Strong Force” by Martin Amisis very complex as the choice of words includes references to social, political, and scientific issues in the 1980s. To fully understand the novella, readers should have some knowledge about the Cold War, the nuclear arms race, and scientific theories of time, space, the universe, and the strong force. However, the plot (the actions) is easy to grasp. In brief, the story follows Bujak, a complex ch…
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Similes
Numerous similes help the author convey character traits or describe actions in a vivid, imaginative way. The idea that black people “talked like combative drunks” (p. 1, l. 12) helps the author to convey the way the language of black people sounds aggressive and difficult to understand, from the narrator’s perspective.
Bujak’s hands, nails, and teeth are described using comparisons…
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Metaphors and personification
On various occasions the author uses personifying or hyperbolic metaphors that make the language more figurative and which help him convey important aspects of the narrator’s perspective and the other characters.
Hyperbolic metaphors are …
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Repetitions
Repetitions are used with two main purposes in this novella: to convey something about the characters or to create motifs.
The following two quotations illustrate how the narrat…
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Rhetorical questions
The text abounds in rhetorical questions asked by the narrator. These rhetorical questions are meant to create a rapport with the readers and get them involved in the story, as well as to illustrate the narrator’s perspective, thoughts, frustrations, and dilemmas. Here are…
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Symbols
Symbolism (deeper hidden meanings) is created in the novella through contrasts and through certain setting elements.
The windows through which the narrator looks (both in London and New York) are symbolic of knowledge through observations. The narrator uses them as a tool that …
