On the Beach | Techniques
Two of Shute's narrative strengths are dialogue and technical description. Indeed, one of the elements that makes Shute so readable is dialogue that does not sound forced, and description that is specific yet unobtrusive. The description of the naval procedures surrounding the Scorpion and the Australian Naval office, for example, are clear yet substantial; there is a feeling after having read it of having been in the presence of an urbane yet friendly narrator. Urbanity is also a hallmark of the dialogue. In the novel, society is, for a time, continuing in its familiar tracks;...
[The entire page is 190 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Navigate
Tell a friend about On the Beach at eNotes.
