Language
The language employed in the short story “Her Share of Sorrow” by Tessa Hadley is Basic British English, and the story is very easy to read and understand. There are, however, certain passages that might make the reader a bit confused; they are the passages from Ruby’s naive novel, which imitate the way of writing from Victorian novels:
Listen, let me read you some of this. You won’t believe it. Lady Carole, her cheek pale as a dove’s wing, swept from the ballroom with a flash of her exquisite eyes, dragging her long amber curls behind her. Do you think she’s taken off her wig? Meanwhile, Frederick Fillet gazed into the dying coals... (ll. 116-118)
“But,” stuttered Lady Carole, dread seeping into her, “surely you are not the one who once betrayed me and ran off with another woman?” The cords of her life were snapping. “It cannot be.” Frederick sobbed, laying his rugged head upon her breasts. “Forgive me, you are much more beautiful than she is.” (ll. 126-128)
This style is mocked by Ruby’s entire family, who do not realise that imitating other writers might be Ruby’s way of discovering her passions.
You will also notice that the short story also mixes narrative and descriptive passages with dialogue that help readers better imagine the relationship dynamics between members of the same family.
To better understand the author’s style, we also recommend you focus on several linguistic and stylistic devices employed in the story:
- Imagery
- Similes
- Metaphors
- Symbols
Imagery
Imagery is commonly known as the use of descriptive words in literature and poetry. Imagery can convey visual images as well as auditory and olfactory ones, helping readers better visualise the characters, their habits or the setting.
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Symbols
The most interesting symbols in the short story are associated with Ruby.
The attic in the holiday house in France becomes a symbol of isolation, a safe place where Ruby can finally be herself. At the same time, through the Victorian novels she discovers there, the attic becomes a gate to a new world in which Ruby’s imagination is stirred by incredible stories.
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