Language

Style of language on page 7, lines 21-34

In this section of "Sweet Potato Pie" by Eugenia Collier, Buddy arrives at Charley’s house, and he is warmly welcomed by Charley and his wife, Bea. Charley and Bea are surprised, as they did not expect Buddy’s visit. Bea also worries that the apartment is not clean enough for a visit, but Buddy reassures and compliments her.

The lines start with a fragmented sentence which helps the author highlight that Charley lives in a poor neighborhood: “I mounted the steps of Charley’s building—old and in need of paint, like all the rest—and pushed the button to his apartment.” (p. 7, ll. 21-22). This is also suggested through adjectives with negative meanings such as “urine-scented” (p. 7, l. 23) and “dim” (p. 7, l. 27). The author also uses adjectives with positive meanings to suggest Charley and Bea’s excitement at seeing him: “gigantic hug” (p. 7, l. 26), “lit up with pleasure” (p. 7, l. 29), “excited” (p. 7, l. 30).

The dialogue in the lines is distinguished from the narration through quotation marks: “ ‘The place look a mess! Whyn’t you let us know?’ put in Bea, suddenly distressed.” (p. 7, l. 31)

The choice of words indicates an informal style of writing. Informal expressions such as “Well, do Jesus” (p. 7, l. 24), contractions suc...