Language

Style of language

The language in “Farida’s Eyes” by Leila Aboulela could be said to be relatively formal since the narration does not use abbreviations, slang, or contractions. This style of language creates a serious tone which goes well with the serious theme of the story. The same style is used in the dialogue:

‘She will fail school,’ her mother was saying. ‘Without a pair of glasses she will not be able to read. This is what her teacher said.’
Her father’s voice was louder. ‘More expenses. Not just the fees, the uniform, the books – now you come up with something new. She will look ugly in glasses!’ (ll. 45-46)

There is also a strong emphasis on Farida’s thought process, which is very vivid and descriptive:

She imagined darkness in the middle and blurred sight on the periphery of her vision. Would you have to twist your head to read? It would be like forever watching an eclipse, the round black centre and rays of light slithering on the side. (ll. 64-67)

The narrator uses many positive words when describing Farida at the beginning: “Farida learned like she breathed, without ceremony, without effort. Information entered her mind with ease and she picked up skills with grace and gratitude” (ll. 5-6).

This is contrasted with the sharp negative words that her parents use when she is scolded for getting bad grades: “lazy” (l. 78), and “stupid” (l. 82). She is also “reprimanded...