The expressive means and stylistic devices in the story

    The narrator uses a number of stylistic devices to underline some details, to make them more expressive and in such a way to influence the reader. The first thing which rises above everything is the numerous usages of periphrasis (the child grew weary; the retreating form; his captive; the head of the family etc.). It makes the text sound literary, like a wonderful piece of art. And it makes all the descriptions more vivid.

    The same effect has the usage of simile (like an assassin; like a scorched plant; like a calling voice; like a knight). Due to this it is easier to imagine things.

    The very first word in the story is a Child (the case of graphon), which makes a reader to be confused: to think about it as about a proper name or a common noun? Later on it becomes clear that the narrator in such a way wanted to draw reader’s attention to the fact that the main character is a typical child with all peculiar features of behavior.

    Of course, to make the story more bright there were used epithets (grave crime; grim unknown; infernal kid; distressed head) and metaphors (wounded him to the heart; had a battle; was a kingdom).

    The dog in the story is perceived as a human being due to the usage of personification (he trod; he pleaded) and allusion (the interview; a small prayer).

    The usage of detached constructions (to keep him so; in his sleep; lacking skill in such matters; one step at a time) draws reader’s attention to small but still important details.