The question that I chose for my post is “15. How does the author use language and style to evoke emotions or create tension within the narrative?”
In “The Machine Stops” by E.M. Forster uses language and style to express a feeling of loneliness and reliance on technology, which heightens the suspense in the story. Forster creates a sense of claustrophobia and isolation in the reader with vivid descriptions of the mechanical surroundings. The character’s disassociation from bodily experiences is further reflected in the author’s use of exact language and distant tone, which adds to the overall tension and uneasiness. The language gets more frantic as the plot develops and the machine starts to malfunction which makes the reader more concerned about the protagonists’ future.
The poem “There Will Come Soft Rains” by Ray Bradbury uses poetic language and vivid images to create a spooky atmosphere that evokes feelings of dread and sorrow. There’s an unsettling emptiness brought about by the contrast between the perfect surroundings and the absence of people. Bradbury’s lyrical portrayals of nature’s disregard for human life simultaneously arouse a deep sense of loss and insignificance. The recurrent themes and phrases, like the loop of the automated house’s daily routines, heighten the underlying sense of dread and imminent disaster in the narrative.
H.P. Lovecraft’s “From Beyond” may be interpreted as a dystopian text due to its exploration of the consequences of unchecked scientific curiosity and the blurring of boundaries between the natural and supernatural realms. Lovecraft’s preference for cosmic horror and his complex, obscure vocabulary evoke a sense of discomfort and existential dread throughout the story. The narrative illustrates dystopian themes by stressing the dangers of human pride and the possible repercussions of interfering with forces beyond our grasp, even if it does not portray a conventional dystopian society. The story’s focus on the protagonist’s spiral into madness serves to highlight its dystopian overtones by implying a future in which advancements in science and knowledge eventually bring about disaster rather than enlightenment which is what we saw happen.
Nice examples used for the narratives.
I would love to hear more about what makes something dystopian to you in the future. I know the definition by now, but individuals often have more interesting interpretations of words than what are written down in dictionaries. Hell, writers used to make up words to suit their needs often. The point is, words and definitions are subjective. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your thoughts on the things we learn.
I liked the use of the recurrent themes that were present in “There Will Come Soft Rains” as it is used to depict the dread and disaster that was in the narrative.
The story “The Machine Stops” shows us that for a good sci-fi story it in now enough to have a good idea and a use of technology, but there is a need for good writing and incorporate artistic and/or literary motifs.