comment on language and style

Hugh Howey tells his novel “Dust” in language that is simple and straightforward. This is done for at least two reasons. First, the simple and straightforward language allows for a brevity that helps to drive the plot along by giving it a feeling of quickness and drama. This ties directly into the novel’s disaster and dystopian nature. Secondly, most of the characters in the novel are young. Keene, his sister, Juliette, Courtnee, and others are all seemingly in their twenties and thirties. The simple and straightforward language is reflective of the age range and general level of education of these characters – especially those who have grown up within the silos. This adds a sense of realism and believability to the characters and to the novel itself.