Comment on style / language

Generally, the novel stays away from complicated vocabularies and uses more simple, colloquial language. The lack of lengthy vocabulary words is parallel to the novel’s own commentary on Western literature. Where novels like Robinson Crusoe and Benito Cereno contain decorated language that is inaccessible to most people, this novel’s vocabulary is accessible to those without a degree in literature. Many of the characters use conjunctions regularly and speak in incomplete sentences, like Lionel does to George, saying, “’haven’t seen you in a while’” (425). This stays true to the characters in the story and remains accessible to a wide audience of folks who have not read these pieces of literature. Furthermore, it empathizes with this audience as it prods at these rigid, canonized stories.