Language

Style of writing

The language of the short story “The German Boy” by Ron Butlin is generally easy to follow and understand. The author uses the standard dialect of the English language as spoken and written in the United Kingdom.

The language can appear fragmented. Comments, explanations, and repetitions are sometimes inserted in the middle of a sentence: “And then a moment later he did look up – not at the map, however, but at us” (p. 92, ll. 29-30). 

The choice of words indicates an informal style of writing. Certain informal expressions, such as “get down to some work” (p. 93, l. 12) or “will have to shut-up shop” (p. 94, l. 5), are used. Contractions such as “couldn’t”, “mustn’t”, “didn’t”, etc. are present throughout the text. They are also used in dialogue, giving it authenticity and conveying a feeling of familiarity between the characters.

Certain words and phrases are written in italics to underline that they are spoken in another language and to show emphasis: “He spoke more clearly this time: ‘Zwei Minuten’ ” (p. 95, ll. 2-3);...