Analysis of A View From the Bridge by Cherokee Paul McDonald - Paper Example

Cherokee presents a story about an encounter with a man on his jogging routine with a blind boy who was trying to get hold of a fish. At first, the man views the boy as stubborn and a nuisance for requesting for assistance on things that he could do on his own. However, when the boy manages to get one and asks the man to describe how the features of the fish, he releases that the boy is blind. The realization makes him more concerned with the boys activity such that he settles down to give an adequate description of the fish. The description of the fish is well presented such that the boys are able to visualize its image.

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From a general perspective, the main theme of the story is caring for the less fortunate. At first, the jogger perceives the boy to be a nuisance. However, after interacting with him and recognizing his disability, he becomes willing to assist the boy with his fishing. A good example is the joggers view after the boy tells him about his dreams of getting good fish. He states: As I looked into those sunglasses I know he probably would. I wished I could be there when it happened, (Cherokee 3).

One of the literary devices that the author employs is a vivid description by which it is used from the beginning to the end of the story. Vivid description allows one to visualize or rather have an image of what is taking place in a story. It makes the reader feel that he or she is present in the story through its appeal to senses. The description of the fish is a good example of vivid description such that a reader, similarly to the blind boy, is able to have a mental image of its appearance: Okay. He has all these big scales, like armor all over his body. Theyre silver too, and when he moves they sparkle; he has a strong body and a large, powerful tail. He has big round eyes, yes bigger than a quarter, and a lower jaw that sticks out past the upper one and is very tough. His belly is almost white, and his back is gunmetal gray. When he jumped, he came out of the water about six feet, and his scales caught the sun and flashed it all over the place. (Cherokee 2).

The author also employs the use of dialogue as a literary devise. The dialogue allows the boy and the jogger to engage in conversation while focusing on a particular subject; the fish. Through dialogue, a reader is able to understand the association between the two parties. The statement: Theres the dang shrimp by your left foot. You stopped me for that? shows that the jogger was annoyed with the directive from the boy. However, after realizing his disability, he became willing to interact with the boy; a good example being the assertion: no my friend, thank you for letting me see that fish, (Cherokee 3).

The third literary device that the author employs is the use of informal language by which he employs the use of slang and onomatopoeia to explain some activities involved in the interaction. He goes into detail on his experience with the boy and the thoughts that went through his mind during the whole interaction. He uses words such as dang lumpy little guy and whooee which are commonly used in informal settings rather than formal.

Work Cited

Cherokee, Paul McDonald. A View from the Bridge.