Comment on language and meaning

The prose style of the story’s narration is generally subdued and straightforward so as to place emphasis on dialogue and characterization as the main narrative and thematic focus. The narration functions to provide relevant information in an unornamented manner. For example, the story begins, “Tub had been waiting for an hour in the falling snow” (20). This simple sentence provides multiple pieces of information that become more relevant as the story progresses: 1) Frank and Kenny are generally inconsiderate, and 2) it is cold and snowing. The subtle narration serves to plainly present this information as hints for later twists of the narrative. For example, the narration quickly mentions Frank wedding ring, which is relevant to the later revelation of his marital infidelity.