Introduction
Authors of short stories apply various stylistic devices to embellish their stories while disseminating messages to readers. ZZ Packer’s “Brownies”, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love” by Raymond Carver, and Ernest Hemingway’s “Cat in the Rain” are some of the short stories whose writers aesthetically applied stylistic devices. This paper analyzes the three stories regarding the devices used and their importance.
ZZ Packer: “Brownies”
“Brownies” is part of the short stories collection in “Drinking Coffee Elsewhere” by ZZ Packer. The story involves a group of African American Brownie Girl Scouts from suburban Atlanta, Georgia, going to summer camp (Packer 2). First-person narration, dialogue, irony, and symbolism effectively communicate the story. “Brownies” is narrated from the perspective of Laurel, making it more relatable and immersive (Packer 2). ZZ Packer uses dialogue extensively, contributing to plot development.
Irony and symbolism enhance the aesthetic value of short stories, thereby contributing to their themes. An example of irony as used in “Brownies” is when the girls confront another troop over an alleged racial slur but discover that they targeted the wrong group (Packer 15). The irony presents the themes of prejudice and unchecked assumptions. On the other hand, symbolism is evident in the story’s title, “Brownies”. The title symbolizes the racial tension and misunderstandings that are the story’s central themes. Overall, “Brownies” is a worthwhile read for anyone seeking to understand the issues and consequences of racism.
Raymond Carver: “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love”
Raymond Carver is one of the few authors who use minimalism in their language and short story structure. “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love” is one such story that uses straightforward language. The story involves Mel McGinnis, Teresa, Nick, and Laura, who sit around a table at Mel and Terri’s, drinking gin in the afternoon, and discussing love (Carver 170). Similar to ZZ Packer’s “Brownies”, the use of dialogue, symbolism, and irony is evident in Raymond Carver’s story.
“What We Talk About When We Talk About Love” is a dialogue-driven narrative. The four characters converse about love, relationships, and life. The use of narratives allows the readers to understand the characters’ perspectives on love.
Symbolism is evident in the story, as the failing light outside the window is used to symbolize the uncertainty and darkness surrounding the concept of love (Carver 172). Meanwhile, it is ironic for the characters to discuss the tenets of perfect love when their own relationships are flawed. Stylistic devices applied in Raymond Carver’s story contribute to a better understanding of its central theme and message.”
Ernest Hemingway: “Cat in the Rain”
Minimalism is a common approach in both Ernest Hemingway’s and Raymond Carver’s stories. “Cat in the Rain” is characterised by omitting unnecessary details, leaving the reader to infer emotions and meanings (Bakker 10). The story is about an American couple vacationing in Italy (Hemingway 1). Imagery and symbolism are the most common stylistic devices in “Cat in the Rain”.
Using imagery helps Ernest Hemingway paint vivid images that resonate with his readers. For instance, he states, “They did not know any of the people they passed on the stairs on their way to and from their room”, suggesting the isolation felt by the couple (Hemingway 1). On the other hand, the story’s title, “Cat in the Rain,” is coined to symbolize the narrator’s desire for something affectionate and innocent. Therefore, imagery and symbols enabled Ernest Hemingway to explore various themes in his short story in a profound manner.
Conclusion
“Brownies,” “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love,” and “Cat in the Rain” are engaging and captivating short stories. In both stories, the author uses symbolism, irony, and dialogue to capture the readers’ attention. However, minimalism is evident in the stories of Raymond Carver and Ernest Hemingway, making them concise and straightforward. The application of stylistic devices in the three stories enhanced their aesthetic appeal.
Works Cited
Bakker, J. Ernest Hemingway in Holland 1925-1981: A Comparative Analysis of the Contemporary Dutch and American Critical Reception of His Work. Brill, 2022.
Carver, Raymond. What We Talk about When We Talk about Love. Knopf, 1981.
Hemingway, Ernest. Cat in the Rain. Boni & Liveright, 1925.
Packer, ZZ. “Brownies.” Drinking Coffee Elsewhere, Riverhead Books, 2003.