Language
Style of language
The language in Cynthia Forder’s short story “The Dragon” is informal. The sentences are very short and simple. This makes the narration feel like Kay wants to get to her point across as soon as possible. Moreover, in the first part of the story, the short sentences are showing Kay’s disinterest in Bob:
‘Do you play bridge, Kay?’
‘No,’ I said. (…)
‘How about going to the movies Saturday night?’ he asked.
‘I’m going to be busy then. Sorry.’
The short sentences in the dialogue show that Bob and Kay fail to connect and find common ground and that Kay wishes to end the conversation as quickly as possible. In the second part of the text, the short sentences might highlight the unexpected and tense conversation the two are having.
Symbols
Oil r...