The right words
Author Libby Gleeson demonstrates the art of word selection in the book ‘Banjo and Ruby Red’. Gleeson builds the reader’s attachment to the characters ‘Ruby’ the rooster, and a working dog named ‘Banjo’ by establishing a humorous relationship between the two main characters. Banjo is a working farm dog, and Ruby is a stubborn chicken that provokes Banjo by ignoring his commands. Gleeson sets the scene of a rustic rural working farm by using simple phrases such as, “Go, Banjo, go!” and “Old banjo is the best chook dog we’ve ever had” The choice of words and sentences structure provokes a feeling of colloquial, rural, Australian out back culture.
The story has short descriptive sentences, as the words Gleeson has carefully selected have successfully, identified the plot and changed the tone of the story. One might suggest that this indicates the book is well written. (Tunnell, Michael 2008). An example of Gleeson changing the tone of the story is when Banjo finds Ruby red in the barn sick. “And there he finds her, lying still, her feathers flat, her eyes closed.” - This sentence changed the tone of the book from light hearted and humorous to a sad and uncertain. In effect it has awoken the reader by provoking a deep and emotional response. (2008)…show more content… Gleeson’s colloquial style language and the use of simplistic verbs make the story brief, concise yet informative. By selecting precise vocabulary Gleeson eliminated long wordy sentences, which allows the reader to stay engaged. In the part where Banjo searches for Ruby- “But one day, as Banjo is rounding up the chooks, no Ruby Red” Gleeson demonstrates her ability to select the precise vocabulary. For example, in that sentence the words give the reader a clear visual of a working dog on a
