Directions

=**DIRECTIONS**=

Square brackets are mainly used to enclose explanatory or missing material usually added by someone other than the original author, especially in quoted text. Examples include: //“I appreciate it [the honor], but I must refuse”//. They may also be used to modify quotations. For example, if referring to someone's statement "I hate to do laundry," one could write: //She "hate[s] to do laundry."// In the novel/play ‘The Shoehorn Sonata’, these brackets are called directions. The directions are a language technique used to change the expression in which the characters speak. They are used to show the fluctuation of the emotions that Bridie and Sheila intend to use. This technique is usually used in a play script rather than a novel. For example: = [Vehemently] ... for a Jap! (Play write) = = For a Jap! Bridie said vehemently (Novel) = Directions have been used as line delivery techniques to express the change of emotions during conversation. [upset and annoyed] and [calmly, almost brightly] are examples John Misto has used in an accurate attempt to disguise the relationship between Bridie and Sheila. These have been used to show the acute conversations that fluctuate, representing the hidden bond that these two characters share, and what 50 years does to a relationship. The author constantly uses this technique to give us a visual image of the emotions that Bridie and Sheila are promoting. It gives us a better understanding of the characters intentions when delivering there speech and there for gives a bigger impact then other techniques would. The directions invite the viewer into the tone or the mood of the sequence. In some instances they can give you distinct visual imagery in your head, e.g. [whispering]. The direction is giving us the context in the way the character is speaking in.