Language

Style of language

The story “Rendezvous” by Daniel Ransom is written in an informal style. The tone is casual and conversational, and the narration uses contractions to convey natural speech patterns: “But it’s dark and she’s soaked from the rain” (p. 53, l. 21). There is no direct speech in the narrative, and the conversational tone creates the impression that the characters are speaking directly to the reader, confessing their thoughts. The events are all narrated in the present tense, which further conveys the idea of a conversation, at the same time giving the reader a sense of urgency.

The short, fragmented sentences help to create an atmosphere of anticipation, and imminent danger. They also give a strong impression of stream of consciousness, a writing method which attempts to mirror a person’s inner thought process, presenting reactions, thoughts, and feelings as they occur. For instance, in the following passage, Payton’s thoughts move from reflecting on the rain and on to the feelings the music gives him:

On the horizon to the west he can see the rain start. 
He supposes the farmers need it. At least that’s what people always say whenever it rains in these parts. 
The farmers need it. 
The drums have died. A saxophone has replaced ...