Language

Style of writing

The short story “The Escape” by Qaisra Shahraz is written in a relatively formal style. The narration does not use slang or contractions, and the vocabulary is quite advanced. For instance: 

He waited; heartbeat accelerating. When there was a lull in the lively conversation he ventured to inform his family, licking his dry lips carefully. (…) Complete silence greeted his words. (…) Discomforted and not knowing what was the right thing to say, they prudently ended the discussion. (pp 3-4, ll. 39-16)

Phrases like “ventured to inform” and “prudently” make the text sound fairly formal. The style of writing creates a serious tone, mirroring the age and mood of the main character. 

The story contains many Pakistani terms which show that Samir is still in touch with his native culture. Some of these terms refer to traditional foods, such as “sewayian and chana chaat” (p. 1, l. 20), or clothing, such as “shalwar kameez and shervani” (p. 2, ll. 10-11)...