Introduction: Diction in “If Trees Could Talk”
Regarding diction in “If Trees Could Talk” a has been taken from the end of this non-fiction essay by B. B. Smith published in, Cezanne’s Carrot, an online magazine. The essay offers a first-person narrative by B.B. Smith, recounting her childhood experiences in the Mexican village of Chigoloo. Her only childhood friend, Carlos, shares the tale of the Banana Lady, who misplaced her money in the hollow of an old tree. Despite her daily efforts, the money vanished, and she could never locate it. The brief passage concludes with a nostalgic tone, reflecting on the writer’s deep observations and the mystery of the unknown thief, employing informal language.
First Person Narrative: Diction in “If Trees Could Talk”
The first-person narrative vividly captures the nostalgia of lost childhood innocence. B.B. Smith’s friend, Carlos, shares the intriguing tale of the Banana Lady, who placed her money in a tree hollow, only to find it missing the next morning. Despite her persistent efforts, the money seemed to have disappeared, leading to village rumors that the tree had consumed it. The writer reflects on the mystery, wondering which of the old ladies selling bananas might have hidden the money. The passage’s nostalgic tone is heightened by references to their “wide banana smiles,” evoking memories of the writer’s own childhood (Smith p.9).
Diction in “If Trees Could Talk”
In terms of diction, the writer employs effective yet informal language, evident in the first-person singular narrative style. The use of “So” at the beginning of the passage implies a continuation of a previously shared story in detail. The repetition of the questions “Which one? Which one?” adds to the informal tone, emphasizing the personal and conversational nature of the narrative (p.9). Additionally, the inclusion of words like “even” and “stout,” along with the use of the coordinating conjunction ‘and’ twice at the start of the sentence, further contributes to the overall informality of the passage.
Writer’s Skill of Using Diction in “If Trees Could Talk”
This passage reveals the writer’s keen powers of observation. The fact that she vividly recalls the tale from her friend Carlos, including his name, suggests a strong memory and attention to detail. Each time she reaches the bus stop on that dusty road, the full story comes rushing back to her. She can discern from the smiles of the women, who gather under the same old tree to sell bananas and chat, that one of them likely stole the money. However, the writer remains uncertain about the identity of the culprit, highlighting the depth of her observation and the intricate details she retains about the women and the setting.
Conclusion: Diction in “If Trees Could Talk”
In a nutshell, this final passage encapsulates the writer’s nostalgic memories. It evokes her childhood reflections on the old Banana Lady and the lost money. The informal diction, inherent in the first-person narrative style, is marked by the use of questions and starting sentences with coordinating conjunctions. The passage brings the narrative full circle, indicating that the writer acknowledges the “crime” of stealing the Banana Lady’s money, yet the identity of the culprit remains a mystery, leaving it open-ended and subject to anyone’s guess.
Works Cited: Diction in “If Trees Could Talk”
- Smith, B.B. “If Trees Could Talk.” Cezanne’s Carrot. 3(4). 2008. Web. 02 March. 2016.
Passage: Diction in “If Trees Could Talk”
So the Banana Lady never worried again. She began to ride the bus to the market every day like nothing had ever happened. Even up to the time I was living there in Chigoloo, according to Carlos. And I would wonder at that stop along the dusty highway, especially when I looked out the window and saw the old tree and all those ladies chattering and waiting to board, wearing wide-brimmed baskets with bananas in them. Which one? Which one? They were all stout. They all had flat feet. And any one of them could have done the crime and covered up the evidence under their wide banana smiles.
