Listening to how the Language Sounds
In the novel Station Eleven, author Emily St. John Mandel constantly switches back and forth between pre and post apocalyptic worlds. Along with changing the time period, Mandel also changes the descriptions and language she uses, in order to convey contrasting tones. Most people would guess that Mandel’s depiction of the pre-apocalyptic world would be more desirable than the post, however, I believe that Mandel does exactly the opposite. In her pre-apocalyptic sections of the plot, Mandel uses a somewhat disappointed tone. Although the pre-pandemic world had all of the necessary amenities such as electricity and food and safety, the characters were not necessarily “happy”. An example of Jeevan’s pre-pandemic disappointment is clearly conveyed through his …show more content…
Although the world after the plague presents many problems and dangers, Mandel uses specific language to reveal a tone of contentment. An example of this can be found on towards the end of the novel when “Clark finishes dusting his beloved objects in the Museum of Civilization and settles into his favorite armchair…” (331). Because Mandel uses relaxed words such as “beloved”, “settles”, and “favorite”, she conveys the message that Clark is currently content in the post-pandemic world. A similar example can be found with Kirsten. Even though the world may be scarce and dangerous, after she is reunited with Charlie and her worries about the prophet are solved, she is able to find a purpose in searching for the town with electricity. She also has come to terms with Arthur and the Station Eleven comics. She gives one to Clark and keeps one for herself. This way, she says, “at least one book will be safe” (331).
In conclusion, author Emily St. John Mandel is able to effectively illustrate both a disappointed tone and a content tone throughout the novel’s many