Dave's Insecurities PEE Paragraphs

Throughout chapter 5, Eggers uses stylised techniques such as an anecdote to imply that the character of Dave is incredibly insecure even though it is never explicitly stated.

Eggers uses the plural noun ‘possibilities’ to discuss his worries of leaving his brother alone with the baby sister. This noun is from the mathematical lexical field so it implies a quick calculation or thought process. At first, it may come across as a cold way of thinking but it also suggests that there is an endless thought process going on, emphasizing Dave’s long list of worries. Another cold, calculating lexical field is also used to highlight Dave’s worries. The verb ‘snap’ and the plural noun ‘flashcards’ are from a lexical field that suggests games or a strategy. As Dave has an emotional attachment to his brother, it is odd to note that his worries are presented using unemotional lexis. On the other hand, ‘snap’ also correlates with the idea of his thoughts quickly churning around in his head as ‘snap’ is monosyllabic, connoting quick, sudden movements. He also uses Gallows humour, using the simile ‘like pedophilia flashcards’, in order to make light of his anxieties. This suggests that he is trying to lighten the mood for himself and the reader, portraying an underlying insecurity of his that is hidden deep within the seemingly unemotional language.

Dave’s insecurities are presented with the use of the sentence fragment ‘free!’. The exclamatory nature of the sentence is presented with the use of the exclamation mark, which suggests there is a strong feeling of relief or excitement for Dave to be going out, suggesting that he lacks a sense of independent identity when he is with his brother. The sentence fragmentation also suggests that Dave is speechless as he does not say anything incredibly profound or complex yet the one word depicts a lot of emotion. The sentence fragmentation also isolates the verb ‘free’, emphasizing the emotion Dave feels. As he feels burdened with the amount of responsibility he has during the novel, it is implied that in that moment Dave has let go of some of it. Eggers suggests that Dave is an insecure person as he immediately transitions to a state of worry and anxiety over his brother.

Eggers uses colours throughout the extract to convey dark themes and ideas such as ‘blue’ for the image of Toph’s dead body. He uses colours especially well in the phrase ‘constant red/black worry’. The colour red connotes violence and the noun ‘blood’, which is repeated throughout the paragraph to emphasize Dave’s worries about the death of his brother. ‘Black’ also connotes death and darkness, creating a dark atmosphere and creating powerful visual imagery as the colours objectify worry, making it into an abstract noun. The physicality of these emotions make them more powerful and solid, implying that Dave’s worries are more real. As death is an important theme in the memoir, and is repeated continuously throughout the story in many forms, it is important to note that it is used to highlight Dave’s insecurities about it. He is clearly worried that Toph is going to die as his parents have. The adjective of time ‘constant’ suggests a continued and rapid movement of thought. It creates the image that thoughts are constantly appearing in his head intrusively, suggesting a state of emotional distress. These grim ‘flights of fancy’ highlight how emotionally vulnerable Dave is at the present moment, creating insecurities in him.