Tuesday, January 24, 2012

What type of writing tool is used here: "poor family, poor family, oh everything gone, everything, everything gone now..."This quote comes from Ray...

I think that the most obvious answer to your question is that the writer is using the literary trick of repetition. Repetition is the equivalent of hammering a nail into the wall and then giving it one more whack for good measure.  It is a way that the author can call emphasis to something the he or she wants to make certain that you understand.


Notice, in the quote you give, how the first "poor family" is repeated twice; in addition, "everything gone, everything, everything gone now" repeats "everything" three times and "gone" twice. Ray Bradbury, in writing this, wants to be certain that you are made away of how the character is feeling.


Be careful when using this trick, though.  It is like a spice that can be easily overdone.  Repetition can "hammer things home," but when used too much it can knock the sense out of the reader.  In addition, don't confuse this creative use of repetition with repeating yourself in other types of work.  In general, repeating what one is saying in an essay is a big no-no.  It makes you look as if you have run out of things to say.  In short, if you are going to repeat a phrase or set of words (as Bradbury does here) make sure you are doing it for a good reason.


On a side note, notice the way that Bradbury, in the quote you mention, is able to convey the impression that the speaker is in a difficult frame of mind.  His repetitions, while providing emphasis to what he is saying, is also indicating that he is "shell shocked."  He sounds like a man muttering incoherently and in a rambling fashion.  That's good dialogue!


Anyway, good luck with your writing analysis!

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