The extract taken from the novel, ‘The Keepers of the House,’ written by Shirley Ann Grau is a well-written prose which captures the events that take place when the protagonist who has recently undergone a divorce with her husband is amongst the townspeople. During this time, the attitudes and views of both the people of the town and of the protagonist are cleverly expressed. Through the use of various literary techniques and devices this extract appears to be eloquent to the reader.

 The title of the novel ‘The Keepers of the House,’ is relevant to the passage in which the reader will later become aware that the protagonist is determined to accomplish a goal. Her chief aim being to take full control of her life, being both dominant and having authority. Thus, from the title, the reader becomes familiar with the protagonists aim of wanting to be the ‘keeper’ of the house. Hence, the title plays a coherent role in allowing the reader to become aware of the events which are to follow.

 

 The prose is written in first person perspective, hence the reader is able to attain a better understanding and insight into the feelings and attitudes the protagonist has towards the situations which are taking place. The use of dialogue becomes a common literary technique that enhances the reader’s understanding and gratitude towards the prose. This style of writing stands out from the rest of the extract, hence adding implication and apprehension to the prose becoming an important feature of the extract.

 Not only is there references made to the setting but there is references to when these events may have taken place. The reader becomes aware that racism was a common aspect of the society. This becomes apparent from the line, ‘White trash will be the death of the south.’ The use of ‘white trash’ refers to an offensive name for poor white people.

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  The setting of the prose takes place in a living room in a house. At the beginning of the extract, we become aware of the setting as the word ‘house’ becomes an indication of this. The tea party with its ‘trays of sandwiches and iced cakes,’ with the townspeople engaging in conversations all add to the scenery of the setting. However, later in the prose the reader becomes aware of the rural setting in which the events take place. The setting becomes known as an American country in the South. The reason to how the reader is ...

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