Dec 11, 2009

Night | Figurative and Descriptive Language in "Night"

In the following essay, Brent discusses figurative and descriptive language in Tolstaya's short story.

Tolstaya's "Night" records the internal subjective impressions of a mentally retarded adult, Alexei Petrovich, over the course of one particular day. These impressions are expressed through vivid language describing the smells, tastes, sounds, and physical sensations that texture Alexei's day. Tolstaya also uses figurative language in describing through simile and metaphor Alexei's experience of the world around him.

Central to Alexei's perceptions throughout the day are a variety of sounds emanating from his Mamochka, the neighbors in his apartment building, the outdoors, and his...