Language

“The Vigilante” by John Steinbeck is conveyed using both the discursive mode and dialogue. The discursive mode tells us what the characters are doing and what Mike thinks. Dialogue lets the characters speak for themselves to convey their perspective and traits.

Imagery

Imagery is used in connection with the setting, action, and characters, helping readers to form mental images of what is being narrated, like in the following example:

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Similes and metaphors

Various similes express deeper meanings about the characters and their actions. To convey Mike’s state of tiredness and the way the mob lynching seemed surreal for him, the following similes are used: “…as heavily weary as though he had gone without sleep for several nights, but it was a dream-like weariness…” (ll. 9-10)

Later on, as Mike reflects on what happened in the jail, he compares himself with a battering ram, which suggests that he felt like an instrument of violence: “crashed Mike against the door like the head of a ram” (p. 2, l. 4)

To indicate that the people in the mob had no feelings of guilt about lynching a man, the writer uses the simile “the faces were as expressionless as wood” (p. 1, l. 42).

The bartender is frequently compared to a mouse: “an expression like an aged mouse” (p. 2, l. 12), “scampered away like an aged mouse.” (p. 4, l. 46). This comparison helps suggest both his unusual appearance and wisdom.

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Symbols

The story includes various symbolic elements that help give readers an insight into the deeper meanings of the narrative.

The most important symbolism in the short story is the contrast between light and dark. Throughout the story, the narrator constantly makes references to the differences between the dark skinned victim and the white mob, the darkness of the park and the light of the burning paper, the darkness of the streets and the neon lights or city lights. Here are a few examples:

“The newspaper torch went out, leaving the park almost black by contrast. But immediately another twisted, paper was lighted and held up against the feet.” (p. 1, ll. 22-24)

“The tall shade trees were shadowed on the sidewalks by the street lights.” (p. 4, ll. 17-18)

“The street lights were fewer. It was darker and safer.” (p. 4, l. 39)

This light-dark contrast is symbolic of the contrast between the light of reason and clouded judgment. The light makes Mike feel uncomfortable because he does not want to be overwhelmed by the true violent nature of his actions and those of the mob, and he does not want to examine his actions, his motives, or his feelings about the crime.

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