The use of names is also in contrast. “Uncle Ernest” is informal and the use of his first name gives a very relaxed feel and the word uncle makes him seem friendly and the reader is able to relate to him because an uncle is a close member of most peoples’ families. Temple in contrast is only named using his surname, which is much more formal and unfriendly.
Neither piece, however gives information as to their personalities. The authors only drop hints so the reader is forced to deduce the information. For example, “Ernest…walked through a café doorway, instinctively lowering his head as he did so” gives the impression than Ernest is very self-conscious and insecure. “A Persistent Woman”, on the other hand, implies that Temple is unforgiving and intolerant because when “ she (Sarah) clung to his arm” he “would not relent” and “tried to shake her off” even though he knew that she was sorry – “she was repentant”
In “A Persistent Woman”, strong language is used to foreshadow, violence, confrontation and dramatic events. For example, “ atrocious quarrels” “killing him” and “furies” are used in the first sentence. This creates tension because the reader is in anticipation of these events. Whereas in “Uncle Ernest”, words like “casually” and “eased” give the story a more leisurely pace and give the impression of the plodding routine of his existence.
Both extracts use unspecified people to suggest to the reader how the outside world sees the characters. In “A Persistent Woman”, “someone told him that his wife had been discovered in the pond – ‘Suicide poor thing!’ “. This shows that the outside world likes his wife because they are sorry that she is dead. Because, Temple describes her as ‘spiteful’ we can deduce that the hatred in their relationship is only displayed when they are alone.
In “Uncle Ernest”, the phrase “his name and trade were always spoken in one breath even when the nature of his trade was not in question” shows people only see Ernest for what he can do for them and not as a friend. It helps paint a picture of a man with a lonely life filled only by his job and certain small pleasures such a “drinking jar after jar of beer”.
In conclusion I would say that “A Persistent Woman” is more effective because though many of the same techniques are used, it creates a great deal more apprehension and suspense than “Uncle Ernest” by hinting at the dramatic events that have and will take place. There are a lot more unanswered questions, which makes the reader want to read on because they want to see whether their predictions and interpretations are correct.
I did, however, enjoy the slow leisurely pace in “Uncle Ernest” and the informal tone made it an easier read. I would also be much more interested to find out what happens to Uncle Ernest than I would to Temple because I know more about him so can relate better to him.
