Discourse and Structure
In the extract of page 304 to 309, there are a number of spoken language features used or not deliberately used. Throughout the extract Egger's uses a lack of non-fluency features such as fillers and repetitions. Through the lack of non-fluency features it suggests that Egger's is confident in what he is saying about his illness.
In the extract Egger's uses a large number of short paragraphs. The large number of short paragraphs are all of different themes and ideas. This emphasizes Egger's mind and thoughts-they are fragmented and have a lack of structure. The short paragraphs showcase Egger's tendency to digress from the matter at hand, again suggesting that his thoughts are scattered and jumbled. However, it also suggests a sense of excitement and drama of the whole situation of his near death.
In addition Eggers also repeatedly uses hyphens such as when Eggers says "I try to eke out words -Help.Me-". Egger's continuous use of the hyphens are used to add more information to the text, which almost overwhelms the reader. Also the hyphens symbolize Egger's manic mindset. Eggers mainly uses the em hyphens which add a sudden jolt on emphasis on to the words Egger's is saying.
Furthermore, Egger's also uses bathos. Bathos is when a writer falls into inconsequential and absurd metaphors, imagery and description in an effort to be more increasingly emotional and passionate- it has drama. An example of bathos is when Eggers describes his "cramp" as "a spoon trying to get out" of him and they are "twisting and digging". this elevated description of the "cramp" adds extra emphasis to the pain Eggers is feeling.
In this extract Eggers uses italics. This is shown when Eggers exclaims 'Hospital, hospital', through the use of the italics the word 'Hospital' stands out from the others. This expresses his horror in the idea of going to the 'hospital'. However, it also dramatises the situation Eggers is which gives his horror a sense of falseness.
Lexis and Semantics
In the extract Egger's uses a wide variety of dynamic verbs especially when describing the "cramp" in his stomach stating that the "spoons" are "stomping" and "dancing". These verbs suggest energy and something lively. Through the use of the dynamic verbs "cramp" is personified, which almost suggests the illness he is suffering is not him, but someone intruding on him. Egger's compares his illness in a similar way to he did with his mother, with the alien imagery.
In the extract Egger's does not use expletives in this extract. Expletives are similar to fillers and non-fluency languages. This has a similar effect the lack of non-fluency as it suggests an air of confidence and gives conviction to the fact that he is ill with his "cramp". However this contrasts to the rhetorical questions used such as "Will I even have time to call you?" suggesting that is worry/ fear is false.
Furthermore, Egger's also uses a wide range of imagery types and allusion. The imagery of the "cramp" being "spoons" in his stomach emphasizes the pain Egger's is feeling and intensifies the situation.
The use of past and present tense in this extract from pages 304 to 309, showcase the fragmented nature of Eggers thoughts. This is especially explicit in this extract which suggests the idea of death and illness is emotional triggering for him. In addition the use of the varying tenses emphasis the idea that illness is all encompassing and consuming, it is similar to the way Eggers was unaware of their mothers birthday in the first chapter.
Grammar
In the extract Eggers uses a wide range of interrogatives, exclamatory sentences and declarative's. The use of interrogatives is shown when Eggers is 'writhing' on the floor and he is wondering why no one taking an interest in him, Eggers asks "Why are these people not noticing?" "Why is it not considered unusual that I'm writhing on the floor?" "Have I writhed on this carpet before?". The use of these interrogatives show Eggers uncertainty and lack of clarity of the situation, Eggers is longing for someone to care and worry about him- he is lonely. Furthermore, the repetition of the exclamatory sentence "MOTHERFUCKER!" "MOTHERFUCKER!"at the end of the extract further supports the idea of Eggers digression throughout the extract- his thoughts are fragmented however seem forced through his consistent speech- there are no non-fluency features.
In addition Eggers uses a number of minor sentences (is a sentence that is not fully supported or is incomplete). The use of the minor sentences is shown when Eggers says 'And Toph!' 'All squandered!' which suggest that his thoughts are disjointed. This again emphasises the idea that even the idea of illness can have a huge mental effect on the person.
Furthermore, Eggers uses a number of modal verbs ( is a verb that expresses possibility or necessity). The use of the modal verb is shown when Eggers uses an interrogative asking "Will I even have time to call you?" when wondering what will happen to Toph as Eggers is 'ill'. The modal verb 'will' suggests uncertainty and unsure on how to act.
The use of past and present tense in this extract from pages 304 to 309, showcase the fragmented nature of Eggers thoughts. This is especially explicit in this extract which suggests the idea of death and illness is emotional triggering for him. In addition the use of the varying tenses emphasis the idea that illness is all encompassing and consuming, it is similar to the way Eggers was unaware of their mothers birthday in the first chapter.
2) Write a few paragraphs using the language analysis which answer the questions below:
- How does Eggers present illness in this scene?
- What insight to we get into this character?
- How does the language link to the key themes in the book?
E: This is shown through the use past and present tense "I am kicked from inside" "like a spoon poking"
E: The use of the varying tenses suggest that the illness is all he can think about anything else does not matter, including time. Even the idea of illness is absorbing Eggers thoughts.
L: The idea that illness is consuming is also shown through the use of bathos and minor sentences.
P: In this extract Eggers is presented as immoderate.
E: This is shown through the wide range of allusion and imagery. The idea that the 'cramps' are 'spoons' 'poking' him from the inside.
E: The personification of the illness, creates the impression that the illness is alive and worse than it is.
L: The idea that Eggers is presented as immoderate is emphasised through his use of dynamic verbs when describing the cramp.
P: In this extract the idea of responsibility and coming of age is addressed.
E: This is shown through Eggers use of interrogatives shown when Eggers says "Why are these people not noticing?" when he is 'writhing on the floor'
E: This shows Eggers desire and need for a form of acceptance or attention from someone else- he does not feel able to look after himself
L: Despite his Eggers selfishness in the first section of the extract Eggers remembers his responsibility for Toph saying "I am so sorry".
No comments:
Post a Comment