Some subjects are very hard to discuss, perhaps even harder to put on paper. Topics such as sex and prostitution. Obviously these aren't topics to take lightly, or with a faint heart. It may be even harder to listen to this tragic story, knowing that it was from the point of view of a young girl, only the age of thirteen, and her struggles.
Words make up a sentences, which show the story of a book. Words are a very important step in creating the story, and how one feels about the story. The mood may shift from uncertainty to sheer terror within a single paragraph. Words such as "saunter", "shoves", and "uncertainly" doesn't paint a beautiful picture, but perhaps a dark and somber one. These are words that describe what is going on in this book, but they also help you understand the tone the author is trying to get across.
The language used by the author can also show you the tone. Soft words may make you feel like your floating through a love story while candid, insolent language will put you in a story of pain and despair; just like in this book, Sold. "'Hold still,' she says, her teeth clenched. 'Or I'll slice your throat.' (107)" This harsh language is not apart of a whimsical fantasy, but a cruel reality that this young girl faces.
The use of grammar and structure of sentences can also give you a sense of being. Short, choppy sentences are formed to be abrupt and to the point; perhaps to show anger or other candid emotions. In this book, some passages hold sentences that seem to go on forever with multiple commas and semi-colons. Once the reader gets to a part about suffering, the sentences seem to get shorter like they are trying to make a point. "I pound the door. I howl like an animal. I pray. I pace the room. I kick the door. But I do not cry." This shows an effusive amount of emotion the author wants the reader to soak up quickly and without hesitation.
This book shows a lot of good tone and mood for the reader to pick up on.
I noticed that too as I was reading this book. In some cases where she is talking about something in a happy tone such as her mother and/or brother you see that detailed picture she makes. For example when you read about her saying how she can give Ama a new shawl, and food and bread for her little brother, you can read the excitement and fantasy in those words. But when she talks about something unpleasant her words are almost curt in a sense, demonstrating a different more angry kind of tone.
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