Language and Meaning

Because the narrative is shared by Nehemiah, Dessa, and Rufel, the language the author uses alters according to the point of view it is inhabiting. Nehemiah's linguistic manner is elevated in a sort of grandiose and self-important manner. His syntactic patterns and diction authenticate his class, his career as a writer, as well as his belief system. His portion of the narrative in the first section, The Darky, often lapses into socio-political jargon. His passages are also riddled with racial slurs and derogatory terminology.