Nettles by Vernon Scannell

“My son aged three fell in the nettle bed”

Conversational Language - creates an informal tone and as a result makes the content more personal.

Including Son’s age immediately evokes our sympathy

“white blisters beaded on his tender skin”

Close up image - creates a cinematic image of little boy’s tender skin.

Alliteration - captures the blisters swelling up on the surfaxe of his tender skin.

“watery grin”

Emotional image - Reveals the boy’s attempts to cheer up for his Dad despite the pain he feels.

Stirs our sympathy for the little boy’s pain and distress.

“slashed in fury”

Violent verb - portrays the father’s actions like those of a soldier on a battlefield.

It creates a vigorous image on his path to revenge.

“called up tall recruits”

Personification - Scannell presents the nettles as an invincible force. As a result they appear more sinister and threatening.

“My son would often feel sharp wounds again”

Metaphor - for the emotional and psychological pain his will suffer in life.

Tone - the father’s tone of voice is one of sad acceptance. He has resigned to the fact that he cannot always protect his son.