Language

Style of language

The language used in the short story “Cat Person” by Kristen Roupenian is modern and reflects the style of our contemporary society. 

The spelling and grammar are standard, with the exception of some of Robert and Margot’s text messages. In the following examples, the non-standard spelling reflects the modern-day use of shortcuts in online communication: “My parents are asking about u”, “I promise I will c u soon”, “Lol r u serious”. Robert’s final messages to Margot suggest that he is drunk and angry, as he hurries and cannot spell properly: “When u laguehd when I asked if you were a virgin was it because youd fucked so many guys”.

The choice of words mirrors Margot’s inner conflict when it comes to Robert. On the one hand, words and expressions like “sparkly lightness”, “exhilaration”, and “anxious yearning” which are used when Margot and Robert are texting suggest that she has constructed ...