Style of language
The language used by Daniel Magruder in the article “My Best Friend Died by Suicide. I Wish I Had Seen the Warning Signs” is mainly formal and reflects Magruder’s military background. In in lines 73-88 of the article, Magruder mainly focuses on Landsberg’s PTSD, on his attempt to get help, and on his own feelings of guilt and powerlessness when dealing with his best friend’s death.
The lines also contain an instance of direct speech when Landsberg informs his brother that he needs to get help, since he is feeling suicidal (ll. 74-75). In this way, Magruder allows Landsberg to speak for himself and shows that Landsberg was aware of what he was feeling and wanted to seek treatment.
When he presents his reaction to finding out about his best friend’s suicide, Magruder uses short or fra...