Writings by artists
Writings by artists, like poems or short tales, are frequently used to convey their own experiences. In addition, because they communicate certain ideas, the writings are intended to pique readers' interests. These writings' themes focus on important facets of the local society.
Samuel, the protagonist
Samuel, the protagonist of Grace Paley's story, is first presented to readers as a tough young boy while they are riding the subway. The author makes use of a number of literary techniques to elaborate on the themes that are actually present in the tale. As a result, this essay will focus on these literary strategies and how they are applied to this story to highlight its themes.
Imagism in the story
The author begins the story with a statement of the boys, “Some boys are very tough,” to instigate the enumeration of the immature behaviors these kids indulged in like, “make a lot of noise in the darkest place” and “jiggle and hop on the platform” (Paley). This device typifies Imagism, and the author accurately utilizes it to develop a vivid description of the four kids i.e. Samuel, Tom, Calvin, and Alfred. The boys were jiggling on a moving train’s platform. In this case, the author tries to implore the reader’s imagination to think of the imminent danger surrounding the boys. While some passengers watch from afar without any actions, some feel the boys are exemplifying bravery similar to how they behaved when they were still young. Imagism draws the two men to remember how brave they were while they were still kids. On the other hand, the ladies were agitated by this behavior and tried to look at them so that the kids would realize their anger. From this scene, the author provides different angles by which people can view the dangerous acts.
The use of particular language
Most writers also utilize particular language for the readers to comprehend the setting of the tale. It is a literary device that helps the readers grasp the different aspects surrounding the society. In this case, the term “negro” utilized to describe the kids assists the readers to comprehend the time in history on which the tale is based. “But three of the boys were Negroes, and the fourth was something else she couldn't tell for sure” (Paley). Perhaps, it helps one to understand why the individuals on the train behaved in that particular manner. Through the setting, a reader can read the thoughts of the different individuals regarding the incident. It also elucidates on how different people can have varying beliefs in the same place.
Omniscient narration in the story
Omniscient narration is another powerful device utilized by the author. In third person omniscient narration, the author seems to be cognizant of all the events as they unfold. Another important aspect of the story is the omniscient narration. Moreover, through this narration style, the element of foreshadowing is also utilized. Foreshadowing is a prominent element used in this tale. Even though it revolved around Samuel, it is narrated by the passengers who witnessed the events as they occurred. Before the event even occurs, the narrator appears to imply that Samuel will die. And even as kids will be born, “never again will a boy exactly like Samuel be known” (Paley). Moreover, through the foreshadowing element, the author may be leaving the interpretation of the end of the story up to the reader. In other words, whether the passengers felt guilty or not.
The tone of the story
The tone is another key element utilized by many authors to bring meaning to the story. Through the tone, the writer relays the attitudes towards the tale. From the onset of this tale, the author portrays a serious tone. The same is depicted at the end of the story to illustrate how important it was. “Some boys are very tough. They’re afraid of nothing.” From this description, it is evident that the tone throughout this story would be serious. This can also be exemplified by the females at the subway who were angered by the boys. “Most of them brought their brows together and hoped the kids could see their disapproval” (Paley). From their facial expression, it is evident they are angry thereby illustrating the seriousness of the story. Furthermore, the seriousness of the tale is magnified by one of the female passengers who illustrates mothers' care as she tries to confront the kids. “One of the ladies wanted to get up and say, be careful you dumb kids, get off the platform or I’ll call the cop” (Paley). The gravity of the issue is marked by tone and behavior of the woman as she thinks about her own kids. Evidently, when mothers think about other kids as if they were theirs, it portrays seriousness. “She stood up with determination and went to the door.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, literary devices are meant to emphasize on themes of the story. Authors often use different literary elements to convey certain messages. In this case, through imagism, readers can comprehend how thoughts and actions are swayed by the backgrounds. The individual backgrounds show how people fear to convey certain messages fearing criticism or embarrassment. Typical examples can be portrayed by the ladies and men within this tale. While some men agree with what the boys are doing, some totally sympathize with their situation. Through foreshadowing, a reader can also interpret that Samuel would die. As such, the third person omniscient narration helps the reader to predict the future happenings. On the other hand, through the tone of the narrator, the reader understands the gravity of the issue from the onset to the end of the story. All these aspects are perfectly intertwined within this tale to make it comprehensible.
Works Cited
Paley, Grace. "Samuel." n.d. 29 April 2017. .
