Language

Style of language

The language of the short story “Reunion” by Peter Bradshaw is generally simple and easy to follow. This is suggested by idioms like “be cross with me” (l. 68) and “having turned the tables” (l. 74).

The informal tone of the story is also suggested by the way the narrator uses the second-person address: “I even did this lip-biting little smile, taking it well, you see, like a reality TV contestant getting told…” (ll. 15-16); “I’ll quickly tell you about the breakup in each case.” (l. 9).

Dialogue is used throughout the story, allowing the characters to reveal themselves to the readers, although the dialogue is often also accompanied by the narrator’s comments: “ ‘Elliot was playing a sort of William Tell game daddy,’ said Lucy with a sweet smirk.” (l. 99).

Narrative passages convey actions, the narrator’s thoughts, and brief descriptions of the physical setting: “So I’m sitting here in the hotel foyer on one of the big squashy sofas. I’ve checked out, paid the bill and my wheelie suitcase has the extendable handle up, ready to go.” (ll. 1-2); “I got quite drunk, and after a while I fancied a cigarette, so I went out through a sliding door onto this large artificial lawn they have…” (ll. 26-28).

Choice of words

Most of the descriptive words used in the s...