Language

Style of writing in lines 1-17

The style of writing in lines 1-17 of the short story “The Meaning of Clouds” by Natalie Cox is informal. There are contractions, and the tone is casual and conversational. For instance: “Why doesn’t it rain? I have no idea what makes a cloud give in” (ll. 7-8). The dialogue is also simple and straightforward: “ ‘ What do clouds mean?’ (...) ‘Clouds mean water.’ ” (ll. 1-5). 

The style of language in the narration is more complex, using figurative language such as in the sentence: “I shift a little on the blanket, the tartan threads releasing the ghost of my parents’ under-the-stairs cupboard as I do so” (ll. 3-4). 

Contrasts are used to highlight Mags’ frustration with her current situation. For instance, the comparison between Bella’s exhaustion from playing football, easily fixed with an orange squash, and Mags’ exhaustion from being fired and feeling purposeless (ll. 1...