Language

Style of language

The language used by Lesley Glaister in the short story “Serrusalmus” is mainly neutral and descriptive. Slang is introduced only when Mick speaks and illustrates his violent behavior and lack of manners: “ ‘Don’t fuckin’ open the door to no one else,’ Mick says. ‘Need a drink. Fetch me a fuckin’ drink.’ ” (p. 85, ll. 15-16). The story uses only a few informal words and expressions, such as “yobs” (p. 83, l. 21) or “tore them off a strip” (p. 83, ll. 30-31).

When analyzing the author’s choice of words, we discover terms related to fishkeeping, like “tank” (p. 81, l. 2), “weed” (p. 81, l. 3), “electric pumps” (p. 81, l. 4) or “gravel” (p. 83, l. 1). The author also introduces words related to fish, like “Serru...