Language

The short story “Noel” by Michael Plemmons is written in a fairly simple and easy-to-follow language, but the choice of words indicates a mixture between business terms and everyday terms related to children, helping the author convey the idea that children are treated as objects: “You understand that this is only a 48-hour-agreement. The girl must be returned by noon on the day after Christmas or late charges will be assessed at ten dollars per hour and you will forfeit the insurance deposit.” 

The narrative is constructed using descriptive narration and dialogue which gives it dynamism. The descriptive narration helps readers see the action and the setting while the dialogue passages convey elements about the characters’ traits.

Imagery

Imagery, a narrative technique in which descript...