Language
The language of the short story “A Shot in the Light” by Lion Goodman is very simple and easy to understand. However, there are passages which are not as easy to grasp, such as the ones where the narrator talks about his inner changes after being shot. Although the way the narrator depicts his near-death experience is a bit abstract, we can easily identify elements which some people associate with near-death and returning back to life:
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In order to make readers better understand the events and his near-death experience, the author has employed some stylistic devices meant to enhance the meaning of the text. In what follows, we present some of them:
- Imagery
- Similes
- Repetition
- Metaphors
- Symbols
Imagery
Imagery is employed in descriptive passages. For example, the following fragment combines visual and sensory imagery, which involves movement,...
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Metaphors
A few metaphors are employed in order to enhance the meaning of the narrator’s near-death experience. First of all, the metaphor of the “dust in the wind” (p. 113, l. 34) indicates that all the earthly possessions of the narrator become ephemeral and unworthy, as the man has discovered a higher purpose in life.
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Symbols
First of all, the van becomes a symbol of freedom and being well-off. For Ray, the van symbolizes the way in which he can finally escape his debts. He intends to steal the van and its contents to sell them and pay off the drug dealers. For the narrator, the van is a symbol of freedom and certain prosperity.
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