The vast majority of works of literature use stylistic
devices in their presentation of the story, so it is just a matter of re-reading this
excellent tale of vertigo and identifying some, then thinking about the effect they
create.
You might want to start off with the first simile
in this story, which occurs just after the vital piece of paper has been blown out of
the window and is resting on the ledge beneath the appartment window. As Tom looks at
it, we are told that he can hear the sound of its movement, "like a leaf on the
pavement." Notice how the sound of its movement helps to convey the way that it could
fall off the ledge at any moment because it is not still. There is also perhaps irony in
the comparison: although it may sound like a leaf on the pavement, it is definitely not
resting on anything as safe as a pavement, as Tom is about to
discover.
You might also want to think about the imagery
that the author uses to convey the sheer terror of Tom when the inevitable happens and
he looks down. Consider the following quote:
And a violent, instantaneous explosion of
absolute terror roared through him. For a motionless instant he saw himself
externally--bent practically double, balanced on this narrow ledge, nearly half his body
projecting out above the street far below--and he began to tremble nervously, panic
flaring through his mind and muscles, and he felt the blood rush from the surface of his
skin.
Note how his terror and
sheer fear is conveyed. The author reveals the way that terror "roars through him"
instantaneously. Then we share the vision of how Tom would appear to an observer, which
makes him begin to tremble uncontrollably. This creates a real image of his state and
situation, which of course increases the suspense as we wonder what will happen to
him.
I hope this helps you get an idea of what you need to
do. Now you can go back and re-read the story, identifying and noting down other
examples of figurative language and devices as you go. Good
luck!
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