Sunday, March 15, 2009
Word Choice
The most important literary element in Out Stealing Horses is word choice. Patterson tediously describes each event with words that appeal to all five senses so that the reader can imagine how each scene feels. One example of this painstaking word choice is when Trond is describing how it smelled after cutting down his dead tree. "There was the scent of new-felled timber. It spread from the track-side to the river, it filled the air and drifted across the water and penetrated everything everywhere and made me numb and dizzy" (74). Patterson's word choice and descriptive language conveys the scene in a way that the reader can feel as if they are Trond. In the passage, Patterson uses the word "penetrated" to describe how the scent became a part of everything. Had he used a less descriptive word, the passage wouldn't have been as clear or strong. Another use of Patterson's expert word choice is to share much information with the reader without using many words. An example of this is when Trond sees Olav, the mechanic, working at his desk. "There sits Olav the mechanic on a chair in front of a computer screen with long shining columns of figures. None of them is red, as far as I can see" (69). Along with expressing the scene visually, Patterson incorporates information about Olav. In two sentences, the reader is able to envision the room, including the computer with "shining columns of figures" and finds that Olav is mechanic, and good business man (since none of the figures are red). So, the most important literary element in Out Stealing Horses is word choice.
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Sarah-
ReplyDeleteI really like how you chose the passage on p. 69 to exemplify Petterson's word choice. The "shining" columns of figures is impossible to not envision, and it is also a gerat point that he manages to characterize Olav as well. The context around this passage is important as well- I find it extremely interesting that Olav may very well be a savvy businessman but is also compassionate and does not charge Trond a large amount.
Stacey
Sarah-
ReplyDeleteI like how you explained the meaning with the words that Patterson used and that you didnt just see the word choice as huge words just to make the story sound better.
I liked your point about Petterson writting with a words that appeal to all 5 senses. It is interesting to break apart each description and analyze it like you have done. Petterson uses his descriptions most when discussing setting which when the story takes place in somewhere as beautiful as Norway is important in the book.
ReplyDeleteSarah!
ReplyDeleteI also found that the majority of the author's descriptions involved one of the five senses. I also think the author does a nice job blending descriptions with facts about characters, and I agree with that point you made.
It is interesting that Word choice is the element that you find to be the most significant. While I agree that the words of this book are sharp and poignant I also have to say that this is a translation so not all credit could go to Per but maybe to the translator.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Stacey, the quote about Olav is amazing! I also like how you picked up on Petterson's utilization of all five senses in crafting the story. In response to Nels's comment, I think that Petterson can be credited for the general idea of the words and sentences, but not the literal translations.
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteI really agree about how important word choice is to Petterson. I enjoy his vivid language that includes all five senses. I also think it is important to note that Petterson likes to include information with as many little amount of words possible. You show a good understanding of the book!