University:
College
Course:
College Literature
Academic year:

2023
Views:

167

Pages:

2
Author:

anon

Literature Analysis: Van Bibbler’s Burglar Themes: *Betrayal When Bibber was climbing up the wall, he is “like Humpty Dumpty” Simile emphasizes the ridiculousness of Bibber who’s trying to find adventure in New York to prove to his reporter Burglar uses guilt tricks to make Bibber go easy on him He makes Bibber pity him by telling him about not being able to unite with his family, (have a daughter without a father – him) Typical scenario of broken families which evoke pathos, Bibber takes the bait The Burglar also makes himself sound very weak, so Bibber won’t feel threatened and feel that he is the one who is in control of the situation “and now you’re going to send me back for another lifetime” Accuses Bibber for making his life worse, makes him feel guilty Guilt trick loosens up Bibber towards the situation “all the” colour has gone “out of” my skin and “all the” life “out of” my legs -Add complete Quote Burglar stresses his wasted physical appearance/health as an evidence of what prison had done to him Repetition makes it more convincing “a baby, I am. I couldn’t kill a cat” hyperbole & mocking tone, emphasize how gullible Bibber is he eyed the prisoner “doubtfully” Guilt tricks work “doubtfully” – shows his hesitance Burglar uses a persistent tone and keep repeating “shoot me” he also does the opposite of what Bibber expects to make him “astonished” and make him caught off guard He forces Bibber to face an “unpleasant situation” to make him feel uneasy about killing burglar Scenario holds a calm atmosphere, which is controlled by burglar so Bibber won’t shoot him Burglar said he meant to live straight “ – God help me, but I did!” Tries to involve religion to invite the idea of forgiving/repent on sins and morality Also burglar suggests conversion where he will start a new life Used to persuade Bibber that he really mean what he says Bibber, a “gent in a high hat” who’s a “respectable member of society” Irony: has illegally assisted the escape of a burglar when is reading the newspaper, he came across an article about the burglar escaping with a “smile of grim contentment” he ordered “bacon and eggs and green things and coffee” The effect of the repetition and listing is to highlight the ironic ending