Language

“The Strong Man” by George Garrett is written in clear English, using an easy to follow language. The author mixes colloquial, everyday vocabulary in the dialogue – such as “bastard” (p. 44, l. 32) – with more lyrical passages depicting the setting in a figurative manner: “It was getting dark now and the mountains to the north were only a bulk of heavy shadows. The mountains were disappearing and the river was dark.” (pp. 45-46, l. 46, ll. 1-2)

Imagery

Imagery is created in the short story when it comes to the setting, Harry’s and the strong man’s characters. The author shows how they look like and how they act, enabling readers to visualize them. Here are two relevant examples: “…the close-cut sandy hair, the small eyes, bland and sad as a dog’s, the soft lips and the 

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Similes

Similes are an important figure of speech in this text, as they are heavily employed to depict the action, the setting, and the characters.

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Metaphors and personification

A few times, the author uses metaphors or personifications which also function as figurative metaphors.

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Repetitions

Repetitions add to the authenticity of the dialogue or the inner thoughts of the female character. The woman repeats herself both when she is speaking and when she is thinking, emphasizing the idea of inner conflict and pain: “ 'My husband is always making me cry. My husband is always sleeping with other women.

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Symbols

The short story includes many symbols, designed to enhance the inner conflict of the female character who cannot gather up the courage to leave her cheating husband.

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