The short story Soldier of Fortune by Bret Anthony Johnston is filled with different writing techniques. He uses tone, scene, and description to make the story flow and feel believable. He teaches the reader how to create living, breathing characters, while still using symbolism to add mystery and foreshadow to the piece. While perfect for this story, other authors, to create their own pieces of fiction and creative non-fiction, can use these techniques.
Firstly, the first paragraph sets up the tone of this story. It is coming of age story. The first paragraph is not about the protagonist, but rather Holly Hensley. In the first line, the author already tells the reader that Holly has caught the eye of the protagonist, even though the …show more content…
The author does this in multiple ways. Firstly, mother and son are talking about Holly being with Mr. Mitchell and Joshie says he does not think it really happened. His mother responds with “I know you don’t, sweetheart.” This tells the reader that the mother is patronizing Joshie. She knows he does not believe that Holly could have done such things and does not correct him. She is letting Joshie stay in his protected world. Johnston skillful told the reader this with one line of dialogue. Johnston teaches the reader that a heavy mood or idea can be best portrayed through dialogue, often one line of dialogue. Furthermore, the narrator only goes by Joshie in this story. Joshie is the name of a child. The author is telling the reader that the narrator is still a child, that he has not grown up yet. Johnston is teaching the reader that a name can convey attitudes and other things in a short story. Additionally, at the end of the story Holly calls Joshie, Josh. He now has an adult name. It symbolizes his growing up and realization that Holly is not as innocent as he once thought. Johnston teaches the reader that good writing can set a mood or idea with one line of dialogue, or with one symbol. Other authors can use this strategy to create their own fiction or creative
Firstly, the first paragraph sets up the tone of this story. It is coming of age story. The first paragraph is not about the protagonist, but rather Holly Hensley. In the first line, the author already tells the reader that Holly has caught the eye of the protagonist, even though the …show more content…
The author does this in multiple ways. Firstly, mother and son are talking about Holly being with Mr. Mitchell and Joshie says he does not think it really happened. His mother responds with “I know you don’t, sweetheart.” This tells the reader that the mother is patronizing Joshie. She knows he does not believe that Holly could have done such things and does not correct him. She is letting Joshie stay in his protected world. Johnston skillful told the reader this with one line of dialogue. Johnston teaches the reader that a heavy mood or idea can be best portrayed through dialogue, often one line of dialogue. Furthermore, the narrator only goes by Joshie in this story. Joshie is the name of a child. The author is telling the reader that the narrator is still a child, that he has not grown up yet. Johnston is teaching the reader that a name can convey attitudes and other things in a short story. Additionally, at the end of the story Holly calls Joshie, Josh. He now has an adult name. It symbolizes his growing up and realization that Holly is not as innocent as he once thought. Johnston teaches the reader that good writing can set a mood or idea with one line of dialogue, or with one symbol. Other authors can use this strategy to create their own fiction or creative