Richard Wright uses the linguistic device, diction, to convey a stronger image of the actions performed in the novel. It’s really helpful in forcing the reader to feel and imagine what he intentionally wanted them to do. In the statement, “Suddenly Griggs reached for my arm and jerked me violently, sending me stumbling three or four feet across pavement” the reader is led to imagine a vibrant scenario where an older man is using his force to hurt a child. Because of that, the reader would feel sorry for the child and would be able to understand how much force Griggs applied to Richard. However, if he were to reword it in a much simpler sense, the reader would not …show more content…
In this event, Richard’s father is bothered by the constant meowing of the cat. To stop the persistent meowing, he yells “Kill that damn thing. Do anything, but get it away from here!” Richard took his words literally thus setting up a mini noose to kill the kitten. This episode was to potentially get back at his dad for not taking him seriously. This symbolizes the conflicted relationship between Richard and his father. His interests in books were a getaway from the harsh reality he was forced to live in. He would indulge himself in great literature as he tried to learn how to convey his own words on paper. This was basically the only way Richard managed to move on from horrific