analyse the language in the extract below. how does the writer use language to describe the strange things witnessed by the ghost-hunter?
write 5 paragraphs
"The ghost-hunter claims that on one startling occasion, he actually watched a bowl of oranges
rise unaided off a sideboard, as if a clever magician had made his assistant float into the air.
The bowl then shattered into pieces as it plummeted to the ground and oranges bounced all
round the room. In another investigation, he and the family involved saw a heavy clock
mysteriously transport from one end of the mantelpiece to the other and back again. But he is
convinced that such occurrences have nothing to do with the spirits of the dead. He believes
they are caused by a type of energy we don’t yet understand which is generated by tense
human emotions."
The language used in this extract is descriptive and engaging, using vivid imagery to paint a picture of the strange things witnessed by the ghost-hunter. The writer uses language to convey the sense of surprise and wonder at these events, with words like "startling" and "mysteriously" suggesting the mysterious and otherworldly nature of the phenomena.
In particular, the writer uses language to emphasise the physicality of the events, describing how the bowl of oranges "rose unaided" and "plummeted to the ground", with the resulting "smash" and "bouncing" of the oranges conveying a sense of chaos and disruption. This creates a vivid sense of the scene, drawing the reader in and making them feel as if they are witnessing the events themselves.
The writer also uses language to suggest a sense of the inexplicable and unpredictable nature of the events. For example, the clock "transporting" from one end of the mantelpiece to the other suggests a sudden and unexpected change, while the "type of energy we don’t yet understand" implies that these events are beyond our current scientific knowledge or understanding.
At the same time, the writer maintains a sceptical tone towards the ghost-hunter's claims. The use of phrases such as "he believes" and "convinced" suggests that the writer is not fully on board with the idea of supernatural explanations for these events, and is more interested in exploring the scientific possibilities.
Overall, the writer uses language to create a vivid and engaging account of the strange events witnessed by the ghost-hunter. They use descriptive language to convey a sense of surprise and wonder at the physicality of the events, while also suggesting a sense of the inexplicable and unpredictable nature of the phenomena. At the same time, the writer maintains a sceptical tone towards the supernatural explanations put forward by the ghost-hunter, suggesting an interest in exploring the scientific possibilities behind such events.
In this extract, the writer uses descriptive and vivid language to convey the strange things witnessed by the ghost-hunter. The use of similes and metaphors adds depth and enhances the reader's understanding of the supernatural occurrences.
Firstly, the writer compares the movement of a bowl of oranges to that of a magician's assistant floating in the air, creating a sense of wonder and astonishment. The phrase "as if a clever magician had made his assistant float into the air" suggests not only the unexplainable nature of the event but also the skill and deliberate act involved. This choice of language serves to emphasize the extraordinary nature of the occurrence.
Additionally, the writer employs strong verbs and imagery to capture the intensity of the moment. The use of the word "shattered" to describe the bowl of oranges as it plummets to the ground creates a visual image of chaos and destruction. Furthermore, the phrase "oranges bounced all round the room" reinforces the sense of movement and disruption, painting a vivid picture of the oranges scattering in every direction.
In a subsequent investigation, the writer continues to engage the reader with the language used to depict the mysterious events. They describe a heavy clock mysteriously "transporting" from one end of the mantelpiece to the other and back again. The choice of the verb "transport" creates a sense of sudden and unexplained movement, evoking an image of the clock seemingly defying the laws of physics.
However, the writer makes it clear that the ghost-hunter does not attribute these occurrences to the spirits of the dead. Instead, they explain that these events are caused by a type of energy generated by tense human emotions. The writer employs careful language to emphasize this perspective. The use of the phrase "convinced that such occurrences have nothing to do with the spirits of the dead" points to the ghost-hunter's certainty and negation of a commonly held belief. This choice of language adds credibility to the ghost-hunter's claims and positions them as an authority on the subject.
In conclusion, the writer skillfully uses language to describe the strange things witnessed by the ghost-hunter. Through the use of similes, metaphors, strong verbs, and vivid imagery, the writer effectively captures the reader's attention and immerses them in the supernatural events. The choice of words and phrases helps to convey a sense of wonder, astonishment, and mystery, while also highlighting the ghost-hunter's unique perspective on the cause of these phenomena.