Previous
Similes
The Watcher
Explanation and Analysis:
Throughout The Night Watchman, Erdrich changes her style to match the character or event she is describing. Her writing ranges from humorous and witty to grave and harsh to spiritual and full of figurative language. In general, though, her style is lyrical, clever, rapid, and character-driven. Short sentences and rapid motion from action to action help the pace of the novel feel high, and contribute to the novel's overall readability.
A good example occurs when Roderick appears to Thomas for the first time:
A frowsty-headed little boy crouched on top of the band saw. Thomas shook his head, blinked, but the boy was still there, dark hair sticking up in a spiky crest. He was wearing the same yellow-brown canvas vest and pants that Thomas had worn as a third-grade student at the government boarding school in Fort Totten. The boy looked like somebody. Thomas stared at the spike-haired boy until he turned back into a motor. "I need to soak my head," said Thomas. He slipped into the bathroom. Ducked his head under the cold water tap and washed his face. Then punched his time card for his second round.
Here, surprising and descriptive language (like "frowsty-headed"), quick sentences, references to specific places and events (like "Fort Totten), and rapid motion from event to event (like the last three sentences) all make the passage feel quick, detailed, and immersive.
Importantly, Erdrich's style takes significant leeway when it comes to imagery, visions, hallucinations, and spiritual experiences. During these events, Erdrich uses vivid figurative language, precise descriptions, and rhythmic syntax to bring readers inside her characters's feelings of awe or spiritual connection. These instances demonstrate how figurative language can often be much more effective than literal language at conveying the emotional truth of a situation.
