Language
The language in “The Little Black Dress” by Clifford Thurlow is simple and easy to understand. To make the text more interesting and dynamic, the author employs descriptive passages, narration, and dialogue, which makes the replies more authentic:
‘You’ll have to do better than that.’
‘I’ve definitely seen you somewhere.’
‘In a shop window probably,’ she replies; he laughs and she isn’t sure why she said that.
‘Come on, let’s have another.’ (ll. 313-317)
There are several linguistic and stylistic techniques used by the author in the story with the purpose of making the text more attractive:
- Imagery
- Similes
- Metaphors
- Allusions
- Repetition
- Symbols
Imagery
Imagery – the use of descriptive language in literary texts – is present in various instances in the story. One example of visual imagery can be found in the following fragment related to the streets of London:
The mews is unlit and she has to wind through a series of horse posts that are leaning at odd angles along the way. Rain polishes the old cobbles staring up at her like a sea of eyes. Crossing Sloane Square is a test of wills. The traffic comes at you like fleeing rats… (ll. 16-19)
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Similes
Similes are also present in the text, and they are used to enhance certain qualities of characters, objects, or places. Here is a list with the most interesting similes employed by the author:
- “sulky lips like she’s been waiting for a boyfriend” (ll. 6-7)
- “Rain polishes the old cobbles staring up at her like a sea of eyes.” (ll. 17-18)
- “The traffic comes at you like fleeing rats” (l. 19)
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Repetition
Repetitions are scarce in the story, yet “playing with fire” (l. 101, l. 342) becomes a sort of leitmotif in the text.
At first, while at the dinner table, Vicky plays with the candle and burns her fingers. Fergus scolds her ...
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