Language

Most of the plot of “Sweet Cream” by Julia Kelk is conveyed in the narrative mode, following Jenny’s actions and thoughts. Dialogue is used occasionally, to convey the interactions between Jenny and Fernando.

Imagery (descriptive language) is created in connection to the characters and the setting, but only in a few instances such as the following examples: “They kissed again in front of the room and his dark skin looked warm against her white dress and pale face.” (p. 99, ll . 13-15); “She pushed through the big swinging doors and entered the corridor which was soft and quite with muffling cream carpets. There were paintings on the walls, a series of red gashes of paint.” (p. 99, ll . 16-20)

Similes, metaphors, and metonymy

In the text, you can identify three similes, two which describe Jenny, and one focusing on the white boots. Jenny is depicted as looking “more like a gringo” (p. 98, l. 7), an American white person, to suggest that living abroad has changed her and she is no longer connected with Mexican traditions and lifestyle. She also dances “like a queen” (p. 101, l. 23) according to Fernando which suggests that she is stylish and elegant, compared to the rest of the guests.

...

Symbols

A few elements mentioned in the story also fill a symbolic function. The cake which is mostly made of cardboard is an ironic symbol of weddings, marriages, and traditions. Firstly, the fact that the cake is made in the American style is ironic because people criticise Jenny for acting like an American, yet they have no problem in borrowing American traditions.

Secondly, the fact that the top tiers of the cake are made of cardboard suggests that weddings (and marriages) are built on appearances; that most of them look good on the outside but are different on the inside.

...