Literary Aspects

The most important Literary Aspect in Out Stealing Horses definitley has to be imagery. Tronds narration is in no way, shape, or form dull or boring because of this. The way Trond describes everything around him is unbelievable. While Trond, his father, Jon's father, and Franz are cutting down the trees Trond describes each and every sense. He describes each persons scent as resin, and describes the scene where he is with Jon's mother as him being totally out of it and not thinking through each action. He describes the scene with Jon's mother by saying, "I was Jon's mother who smelled of sun and resin as I no doubt did myself, but also of something more that made me dizzy, just as the forest made me dizzy and on the verge of tears, and I did not want her to be the mother of anyone living or dead." (81) Although this quote is very long I cut it short so it didn't take up the entire post. This is an excellent example of Petterson's imagery usage in the novel, the reader, at least I did, is able to feel as though he/she is Trond for just that little segment and going through the motions thoughtlessly. I love this novel because I am able to picture each and every scene because of Petterson's awesome imagery techniques and usage, I am able to feel like I am actually there next to Trond whether it's walking through the pouring rain, or whether he is waking up in a dairy stall next to cows.