"Brownies" - Shannon Walsh

The author's use of italicized words in the dialogue allow us, in a way, to hear how the characters are speaking. This effectively lends a better sense of the character’s personalities, moods, and emotions. Arnetta’s sassy character is shown her attitude when she says, “What are you? Caucasian?” (415), and also as she impatiently asks, “Well?” when waiting for an answer (417).  When Octavia is ashamed of her mother’s behavior, she whispers, “Mama” indicating how embarrassed she is feeling (421). This technique guides the reader through the dialogue of the story more easily, making it obvious how the characters are feeling and what they are trying to communicate. 

In addition, the narrator uses many metaphors to describe certain details of the other characters. She describes Arnetta while in their cabin sitting “cross-legged on a sleeping bad, an embittered Buddha, eyes glimmering acrylic-black” (417).  She also describes Daphne’s voice as “petite and tinkly, the voice one might expect from a shiny new earring” (416), and the white girls “with their long, shampoo-commercial hair, straight as spaghetti from the box” (415). These descriptions allow us a better understanding and clearer picture of the characters, and also keep the reader entertained throughout the story.