Language (Boys Don’t Cry)

This section explores the language used in the novel Boys Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman. Malorie Blackman’s Boys Don’t Cry uses language effectively to convey the emotional depth of the characters, the societal challenges they face, and the realism of their everyday lives. Her language choices help bring authenticity to the voices of teenagers and explore difficult themes such as masculinity, teenage parenthood, and discrimination. Blackman employs various linguistic techniques, including informal dialogue, vivid imagery, and symbolism, to enhance the story’s impact and make complex issues accessible and relatable to young readers.

Use of Colloquial Language and Dialogue

Purpose of Colloquial Language: Blackman uses informal, colloquial language to reflect the everyday speech of her teenage characters, creating a realistic portrayal of modern British teenagers. This choice makes the characters feel more relatable, especially to a younger audience.

Example and Analysis: Dante’s internal thoughts and his conversations with his friends and family are filled with natural, casual expressions. Words and phrases like “mate” or “innit” capture the way teenagers actually speak and add authenticity to his character.

Effect on the Reader: This informal language draws readers into Dante’s world, making them feel closer to him as he navigates difficult experiences. The language is accessible, breaking down barriers to understanding and helping readers empathise with Dante’s struggles.

Emotive Language to Convey Inner Conflict and Growth

Purpose of Emotive Language: Blackman uses emotive language to help readers understand the complex emotions Dante experiences as he comes to terms with fatherhood and the changes it brings to his life. This language style allows readers to feel his fear, frustration, and eventual acceptance.

Example and Analysis: Dante often uses strong, emotive words when describing how overwhelmed he feels by his responsibilities as a young father. Phrases like “trapped” and “drowning” evoke his initial sense of panic, while later, words like “love” and “care” reveal his growing attachment to his daughter.

Effect on the Reader: The emotive language helps readers to understand Dante’s internal struggles and growth. It shows his journey from fear and frustration to acceptance and love, allowing readers to connect with his character and experience his transformation firsthand.

Symbolism and Metaphors to Highlight Themes

Purpose of Symbolism: Blackman uses symbolism to reflect Dante’s changing perspective on fatherhood and his own identity. Through symbols, she subtly conveys themes of responsibility, transformation, and resilience.

Example and Analysis: The baby, Emma, can be seen as a symbol of both burden and hope. At first, Dante views her as an obstacle to his dreams, but as he grows to love her, she becomes a symbol of new beginnings and the importance of family.

Effect on the Reader: The symbolic elements in the novel help readers appreciate the themes of change and maturity. By transforming Emma from a source of fear into a source of joy and pride, Blackman encourages readers to see challenges as opportunities for growth.

Dual Narrative Structure and Character Voice

Purpose of Dual Narratives: The novel is narrated from the perspectives of both Dante and his brother, Adam, which allows readers to understand their unique struggles and perspectives. This structure is effective in showcasing how different characters interpret and respond to their personal experiences.

Example and Analysis: Dante’s chapters focus on his shock, frustration, and eventual acceptance of fatherhood, while Adam’s chapters reveal his struggles with bullying and homophobia. Adam’s voice is often more introspective and vulnerable, contrasting with Dante’s initially defensive and fearful tone.

Effect on the Reader: The dual narrative provides insight into both characters’ journeys, highlighting themes of acceptance and resilience. It encourages readers to empathise with both brothers’ perspectives, enhancing the novel’s emotional impact and the realism of its themes.

Imagery to Portray Emotional Intensity and Setting

Purpose of Imagery: Blackman uses imagery to create vivid pictures of the characters’ emotional states and the environments they inhabit, making the story more immersive and enhancing its emotional intensity.

Example and Analysis: Dante’s description of feeling “lost in a storm” when he first learns about his daughter effectively conveys his emotional turmoil. This metaphor of being “caught in a storm” is repeated, showing the unpredictable and overwhelming nature of his experience.

Effect on the Reader: The imagery Blackman employs allows readers to experience Dante’s emotions and sense of upheaval more directly. It helps to convey his fear and frustration, making his journey toward acceptance all the more powerful.

Contrast in Tone and Language Between Characters

Purpose of Contrasting Language: Blackman carefully crafts distinct voices for Dante and Adam, whose differing tones and language styles reflect their personalities and unique struggles.

Example and Analysis: Dante’s tone is often sceptical and defensive, reflecting his unease with the responsibility of fatherhood. Conversely, Adam’s tone is more hopeful and sensitive, despite the bullying he faces. His language choices are softer, while Dante’s are often clipped or frustrated.

Effect on the Reader: By contrasting their tones, Blackman highlights the individual challenges each character faces. This distinction emphasises the theme of acceptance, both of others and oneself, as readers come to understand each brother’s unique identity and struggle.

Direct and Realistic Tone to Address Sensitive Topics

Purpose of Direct Language: Blackman addresses complex social issues like teenage parenthood, homophobia, and gender expectations in a direct and unfiltered way, which is important for exploring the raw realities of these challenges.

Example and Analysis: The frankness in Adam’s descriptions of bullying and Dante’s fears about fatherhood speaks to the honesty with which Blackman addresses these issues. This straightforward tone prevents the story from becoming overly sentimental, keeping it grounded and relatable.

Effect on the Reader: The direct language helps readers face these issues without evasion, encouraging them to think critically about the social pressures that Dante and Adam experience. It makes the story feel truthful and urgent, reinforcing the importance of compassion and resilience.

Summary

The language in Boys Don’t Cry is carefully crafted to reflect the authentic voices of its teenage characters and to address serious themes in a relatable, accessible way. Through colloquial dialogue, emotive language, dual narratives, and symbolic imagery, Malorie Blackman creates a vivid and impactful portrayal of two brothers’ journeys towards acceptance and maturity. The language Blackman uses enables readers to engage deeply with Dante and Adam’s struggles, prompting reflection on societal expectations and the complexities of family, identity, and personal growth.