Language

The language of the short story “The Shape of a Star” by Jen Knox is mostly simple and comprehensible. However, because the narrator works in an automobile repair shop, many words belong to the mechanical area: “hood” (l. 24), “socket” (l. 26), “bolts” (l. 26), “oil” (l. 27), “dipstick” (l. 107) or “filter” (l. 107). Such words do not prevent the reader from fully understanding the text; on the contrary, they add to the story’s authenticity.

As you have seen, dialogue is scarcely used in the story, mostly because the focus is not on the current events, but on the narrator’s memories and her inner struggles caused by the influence of her mother. Still, when dialogue is employed, you will notice the irony and the harshness of the narrator’s words: ““Please make your way into the waiting room; there are magazines and coffee. I’ll be in to show you the oil levels in a bit.”” (ll. 19-20)

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Also, you can have a better understanding of the text by analyzing the following aspects of language:

  • Imagery
  • Similes
  • Metaphors
  • Symbols

Imagery

In the short story “The Shape of a Star”, imagery can be noticed in descriptive passages that are mostly related to the narrator’s work. For instance, the following fragment presents both visual imagery (related to sight) and olfactory imagery (related to smell):

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Symbols

The automobile repair shop is a very important symbol in the story. On the one hand, it symbolizes a man’s world, filled with power and toughness, a place seemingly unfit for a woman. On the other hand, it also symbolises determination, ambition, and courage, as the narrator is a woman who did not let others’ opinions influence her decision and future.

The stars are yet another powerful symbol. Estelle’s name means “star” and it is symbolical of the woman’s constant change and self-improvement.

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