Language

Style of language

The short story “Hostage” by Andrew Vachss is written using informal language, which mirrors real-life language. Slang, for instance, is used to give the characters more authenticity: “yeah” (p. 156, l. 26), “shrink” (p. 157, l. 20), “messed up” (p. 160, l. 32), “blow her away” (p. 156, ll. 2-3), “blast his mother” (p. 157, l. 3), “dirtbag pimp” (p. 157, l. 9). 

Dialogue is used extensively in the story, as it connects the hostage negotiator – Walker – and the perpetrator – Mark. Furthermore, dialogue reveals aspects of the characters’ personalities. In Walker’s case, his replies suggest that he is deceptive – both as part of the job and as part of his personality: “ ‘No,’ I said, my voice soft, starting the lies. ‘I’m a psychologist....