Comparing At the Morgue by Helen Garner and Basics Training by Deborah Hope

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Comparing At the Morgue by Helen Garner and Basics Training by Deborah Hope

AT THE MORGUE – Helen Garner, True Stories 1996
This article is written in the first person's point of view. The style is informal, almost chatty in spite of the morbid topic it deals with. The author uses this style to tell the reader a story, like telling a friend an experience. The author's feelings and thoughts are freely expressed. This helps to put the reader into the author's shoes, to see through her eyes and feel through her heart.
This article is a narrative. It does not aim to analyse the topic. It describes the author's experiences at the mortuary and the resulting disturbing thoughts she had.
Descriptive language is used to give graphic details. This paints vivid mental pictures in the reader's mind. It contributes to the feeling of personal involvement of the reader. All the author's observations are described in detail. Words used are simple yet effective.
The article was an enjoyment to read. It provides an insider's view of what goes on in the mortuary, where not many people can access. It deals with a subject which people do not usually seek information on but are nonetheless intrigued by. The style lessens the formality of the subject, which makes it less scary to deal with. The descriptive language is effectively used. The expression of the author's feeling and thoughts encourages empathy from the reader with the author.

BASICS TRAINING – Deborah Hope, The Au...

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