Language

Style of writing

The language used in the short story “Field of Tears” by Declan J Connaughton is mainly informal and reflects a natural conversation between grandfather and granddaughter. For example, Rita’s tone towards her grandfather shows that she is caring and that she loves him: “ ‘Dressed up a little formal for a drive, aren’t we?’ ”. Here, the question tag hints that Rita’s tone is also joking, as she playfully teases her grandfather for dressing in his best suit. The grandfather’s tone is also playful when he makes a joke about not being able to get stand: “ ‘The day I can’t do that, well that’s the day they put me under’ ”. 

The language in the dialogue also mirrors Rita’s tension toward her grandfather’s nurse. When the nurse wants...