Language

Style of writing

The language employed in “Old Growth” by Lisa Alward is characterized by an informal style, as suggested by the fact that the narrator borrows the main character’s perspective and conveys her thoughts throughout the story: “She is quite the nature girl. No doubt, she also leads a Brownie troop on the side.” (ll. 100-101)

The narration is mixed with dialogue, and the distinction between the two is sometimes marked through quotation marks: “ ‘Wait until you see the old-growth firs on Ray’s land,’ she says, catching Gwyneth’s eye in the rear-view mirror, as if signalling her to gush as well.” (ll. 65-66)

At other times, the dialogue appears in the narration without a distinction between the two: “He looked at her with that intense light gaze, daring her to tear down this new plan. But that was one of the dispensations of being divorced so long: she would not criticize, not anymore. Sounds great, she said.” (ll. 58-60). The lack of quotation marks suggests that the narrator is telling the story through Gwyneth’s eyes, as her observations, her thoughts, and her words seem to blend together.

The author uses many adjectives and adverbs to describe the setting, which helps her create vivid images and a certain atmosphere. For example, the description of the house and space around it suggests an abandoned place:

The road is nothing but a grassy track and the house, when it materializes, weirdly narrow with a...