Writer's Effect-Word Choice by Heather Adkins https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4 Crafting and Connotations en-us 2017-11-15 06:16:21 UTC 2025-10-18 08:02:16 UTC hello@padlet.com Lola Cooper https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208547295 The Word "Dead" Has connotations of something being hopeless, Inevitable, and unavoidable. "Dead" Has a very Negative Denotation we often think of Loss or sadness when the words "Dead" or Death are mentioned.  The word choices made by the author define a very specific Mood that the author wants to convey so that the reader can experience the writer's effect to the full extent.]]> 2017-11-20 00:01:02 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208547295 Nicole De Peralta https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208547729  Optimist has connotation of being confident, positive, hopeful and bright. In the story, the son feels that he is ashamed and in "embarrassment to the dismantled showroom". He feels that his dad lost everything he ever owned. But His father disagrees, he says that "If I were not an optimist I wouldn't be here". He continues to explain that he started from nothing and he ended with success. This shows us that in all the trouble he had, he was positive and hopeful; he continued working hard until he achieved success. 
The light at the end of the tunnel.]]> 2017-11-20 00:06:16 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208547729 Ethan Lee ethan_lee_211 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208547857 2017-11-20 00:07:56 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208547857 Cameron Kirsch https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208547959 The definition of "nagging" is to scold, complain or a constant source of annoyance or irritation.
The idea behind using the word is to convey the fact that there is always something in the back of the characters mind which annoys them or irritates them. In the story 'The Fly in the Ointment' the son is relieved of this sensation of nagging which shows a sense of relief or relaxation.]]> 2017-11-20 00:09:08 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208547959 James Kang james_kang_21 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208548177 Money is used globally. It can be seen as something good or something bad. Some people may say that money is happiness but to other people, like the people in "The Fly in the Ointment", money causes hatred between the father and son. It could also be seen as evil in a physical form. A lot of evil in the world happens because of money. The word choice of money in this story gives the reader a sense of a negative relationship between the father and son.]]> 2017-11-20 00:11:21 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208548177 Rauan Khangerey https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208548366 Rancorous. A word that means deep bitterness or resentment, a word to describe the voice of the father when he switched to his "small face." This has quite a strong effect as it is an extreme that emphasizes the sudden switch between the faces. Considering the fact that it especially applies when the bitterness or anger is deep and longstanding, it shows us that there is some old feud or resentment between the father and son. ]]> 2017-11-20 00:12:56 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208548366 Kat https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208548532 Zest, a kind of zeal or enthusiasm. ]]> 2017-11-20 00:14:17 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208548532 Simon Choi https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208548600 The word nag means to trouble someone's mind. In the story, it shows that the problems in the family are troubling the young man, being the reason as to why he is always so stressed. The word has a negative connotation to it.]]> 2017-11-20 00:14:44 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208548600 Jaesun Lee https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208548700 The word "sympathy" conveys the idea of a mournful event and compassion towards it. In the story 'The fly in the ointment', the son feels sympathetic towards the father who is growing of age. The word "sympathy" may often have a positive connotation, but in this case it is more of pity, conveying a negative meaning.]]> 2017-11-20 00:15:44 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208548700 Justin Oh https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208550399 The word "old" helps develop the father in the story. It gives an idea that the father is no longer the man he used to be. The word is mostly associated with negative words, such as decrepit, inform, and kaput.]]> 2017-11-20 00:30:30 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208550399 Jeremiah Shim https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208554877 The word "careless" helps develop the two sides of the father in the story. It gives the reader the idea that the father's "kind face" poorly or carelessly hides his "small face" like a daub of soft sealing-wax. This shows that the father does not try to hide his "small face" from people.]]> 2017-11-20 01:12:18 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208554877 Napan Lee https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208560372 Truth. In the back of my picture an image of a lock can be seen. I chose a lock because as the dad is keeping his secret to himself he is like a lock, but as he tells his son about his issue the lock is unlocked leading to a unlocked door with a room filled.

]]> 2017-11-20 01:51:28 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208560372 En Nam Chei https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208582612 The word "frosted" can represent many meanings such as snow, fear, frigid, ice, cold and chilled. In the story, it talks about a frosted window, representing the weather and fear that's explained, and is described by the author throughout the story.]]> 2017-11-20 05:04:00 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208582612 Jonathan Myong https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208582920 'Dead' has a connotation of being dark, sad, and overall negative. The literal definition is 'no longer alive'. In the story, the hour (time) is described as dead, which may imply that at that time the streets are negative. In the story, the time is described as dead, which implies the activity – or lack thereof going on.]]> 2017-11-20 05:07:01 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208582920 Riley Kwak riley_kwak_21 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208583908 The use of the word 'Idleness' gives off a nonactive vibe. In 'The Fly in the Ointment', this word describes the business to be be in idleness. In this context, the meaning can be understood as the business being inactive and not involved, profits declining, and overall failure.

]]> 2017-11-20 05:18:31 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208583908 Sage Pae sage_pae_21 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208583950 The word 'irritation' reveals how the son feels about his father and the weak relationship they have. However, the son tries his best to hide his emotions and hopes to do his best for his father, who later takes advantage of him. 'Irritation' links into negative connotations like pressured, nuisance, etc. ]]> 2017-11-20 05:18:57 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208583950 Minji Kim https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208584625 The word 'rancorous' gives connotations that he dad and the son have a unstable relationship. This gives a negative feeling about the dad and describes how the dad can suddenly change emotions towards his son. ]]> 2017-11-20 05:22:52 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208584625 Leon Lee https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208584647 The word 'optimistic' means "hopeful and confident about the future." The word is used in "The Fly in the Ointment" to describe Harold's father, who despite going out of business, acts cheerful and tries to hide his worries from his son. Harold is frustrated that his father is being "optimistic", and would rather prefer to talk about the problem at hand than to avoid it.

]]> 2017-11-20 05:23:18 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208584647 Won Choi seungwon_choi_21 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208585325 The word 'sixty' has the connotation of being old. This is used to describe how the father is ageing, and implies that the father is now different from what he was like before. The fact that he ages allows him to advise the son with his words. ‘You can’t live your life from A to Z like that.’ (Page 3)]]> 2017-11-20 05:30:13 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208585325 Claire Kwak https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208585396 The word 'optimist' is used to describe a person who is optimistic- tends to be hopeful and confident about the future or the success of something. 'Optimist' is what Harold calls his father after he claims that things are "fine" and that he's "not worrying" about the fact that he is going out of business. The passive-aggressive way in which Harold says it is as if he is implying that his father is so optimistic, he is on the verge of delusion; Harold wishes that his father would face the problem and discuss it with him rather than avoiding it and pretending like everything is "fine". ]]> 2017-11-20 05:31:00 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208585396 Jack Meyer jack_meyer_21 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208585786 The word "rich" denotes wealth, life and luxury. Often richness is a good thing... If it is used and controlled correctly. "What I came round about is this," said the son awkwardly and dryly. "I'm not rich. None of us i.. In fact, with things as they are we're all pretty shaky and we can't do anything,"]]> 2017-11-20 05:35:19 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208585786 Seyeon Yim seyeon_yim_21 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208585840 The word 'hard' connotes something that is solid, firm, rigid and unbreakable. However, in the story, the author utilizes this word to describe the contrast between the soft and rough side of the father's character. This word choice also changes the atmosphere of the setting, making it more serious and intense. ]]> 2017-11-20 05:35:36 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208585840 Tomoka Asai tomoka_asai_21 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208586100 The word 'rancorous' helps develop the poor relationship between the son and his father. During the story when the son speaks about his father being an optimist his father's warm voice becomes rancorous showing his two sided face. ]]> 2017-11-20 05:38:17 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208586100 Thies Jensen https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208586120 The usage of the word 'tombstones' in the beginning of the story gives an idea of what happened to the buildings there and that something happened that resulted in them going bankrupt or shutting down. The word might also represent the mood of the father, being dead in a way and maybe losing his will to live]]> 2017-11-20 05:38:31 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208586120 Jeena Lee jeena_lee_21 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208586223 The word "panic" adds to the emotions both the father and son is feeling as it has connotations of fear, darkness, confusion and is able to not only portray one feeling but all the mixed emotions. Adding on, it is used to explain both the father and son and it is able to show the different types of panic expressed with them.   ]]> 2017-11-20 05:39:39 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208586223 Juwon Jung juwon_jung_21 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208586371 2017-11-20 05:41:14 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208586371 Seawon seawon_park_212 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208586573 The word "dead" shows the atmosphere of the town, telling us that nothing is happening, and the streets are empty during this hour. It also alludes to a depressing, ]]> 2017-11-20 05:43:32 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208586573 Dorothy Kim https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208587091 The word "dishonest" describes the father's reality and the outcome of the pressure to hold up the responsibilities as the head of a family.  After Harold's Father's workplace shuts down, despite all the worries he puts on a strong front towards his son, Harold. He goes to explain that he was content with his achievements, despite the fact that his unsuccessful career lead to his family's financial situation. Harold, feeling pity and frustration towards his father, offers to lend him money. This word describes the family's attitude towards the financial situation they are facing. It's denotation is behaving in an trustworthy way. However, in this case the meaning of this word would apply to dishonesty towards reality and yourself. Although poverty strikes Harold's family, his father keeps a forcefully positive attitude, almost like he is in denial. The word dishonest is an important word in this story because Harold's father's mindset is based on something that isn't true. ]]> 2017-11-20 05:48:26 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208587091 Lynn Lee https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208587096 The word 'vehemently' has negative connotations, which helps to convey that the old man is strongly against the idea of receiving money, and is almost offended that someone would think otherwise. The use of this word allows the reader to gain a view on the old man's perspective on the topic at hand, and emphasises the difference between how the old man acted before and how he acted in the end. ]]> 2017-11-20 05:48:27 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208587096 The use of the word dead gives readers the image of a depressing setting. It is foreshadowing that the story is not going to be happy. https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208587609 (Omer)]]> 2017-11-20 05:53:11 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208587609 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208587839 *This shows that the older man is hardworking, and that he doesn't stop because of things small things like sunburns. iIn his eyes it's work before personal health.]]> 2017-11-20 05:55:54 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208587839 BinChi Sung binchi_sung_21 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208587879 The word prosperity itself connotes to success, wealth and luxury, and gives the readers a positive denotation. In the story, the word is used as “after a few years of prosperity, letting it go to pieces”. This highlights the loss of wealth that Harold's father went through.]]> 2017-11-20 05:56:27 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208587879 Leo Chun https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208588272  
The word "vanish" helps develop two different types of emotions that are still interrelated. It's a sudden and complete disappearance but also a gradual stop to exit. The word vanish is used as something fairly unimportant, but has a very deep meaning if you think about how the author chose to use the word. 
]]> 2017-11-20 05:59:51 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208588272 Kenzo Nakamura https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208648498 The word "frosted" itself can describe a cold, icy weather, but has a deeper connotation than that. The word can connote to calmness and pause of time. In "The Fly in the Ointment", the word is used when describing the glass of the window, and adds a calm, quiet and slow atmosphere to the scene.]]> 2017-11-20 10:46:22 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208648498 shereen_batra_21 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208658957 Regret, shame and remorse are the words that repentance is used for. In the case of the story, the son is "soft with repentance and sympathy" which has connotations that he immensely sorry for his father and wouldn't like to behave the way he does, when he's aggravated or exasperated even now; in the office.]]> 2017-11-20 11:31:13 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208658957 shereen_batra_21 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208659083 Regret, shame and remorse are the words that repentance is used for. In the case of the story, the son is "soft with repentance and sympathy" which has connotations that he immensely sorry for his father and wouldn't like to behave the way he does, when he's aggravated or exasperated even now; in the office.]]> 2017-11-20 11:31:41 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208659083 Emily Park https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208660122 2017-11-20 11:36:08 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208660122 Jamie Choi jamie_choi_211 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208891189 The word ‘dead’ connotes that something or someone is lifeless. However, ‘dead’ is often used to negatively denote emotions of a lose or inactivity. In the story the author uses ‘dead’ to describe hour. This conveys to the reader a feeling of inactivity in the city.]]> 2017-11-20 20:41:01 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208891189 Dennis Kim https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208953110 The word "cloud" is used both denotatively and connotatively in the sentence, "Under the ceiling of level mud-colored cloud, the latest office buildings of the city stood out... ". Connotatively in the story, the word cloud describes the setting of the story in its exposition. But denotatively, it can be used to expose the author's tone - dark and gloominess. Cloud most literally means "a visible mass of condensed water vapor floating in the atmosphere" but denotatively, it could mean "overshadow", "darken", "make gloom", and "obscure". All these words give the readers a ominous feeling and they could interpret this that the story will be dark and gloomy. The author established this tone to the readers because the story is indeed about a dark topic, bankruptcy.]]> 2017-11-21 03:38:47 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208953110 Winnie Shon winnie_shon_21 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208954110 The word, “nagged” connotes that irritation or annoyance of a person with persistent fault - finding or continuous urging. Nagged can also mean to be persistently painful, troublesome or worrying to. In the story, “The Fly in the Ointment,” the author uses nagged to describe the state in the young man’s mind.

]]> 2017-11-21 03:48:12 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208954110 Vanessa Rapson vanessa_rapson_21 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208978835 The word "shabby" is a word that is used to describe people who are not dressed well, people who look dirty and to describe people who look weak. When reading the text, you can see that the word "shabby" helps the reader to understand what the father thought of the son of the professor coming into the office. "Shabby" does not have very positive connotations and so when you read that the son is "shabby", you don't have any high expectations for him; we imagine a young boy wearing ragged clothing.]]> 2017-11-21 07:38:46 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/208978835 Lia Viratelle https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/209030515 The word money connotes to wealth and economy. The word money can give a negative as well as a positive feeling. In the story “The Fly in the Ointment”, money is used to describe the father’s situation and his greed for money. This develops how the father is two-faced. Father says that he doesn't need money, but actually he is wanting for money and is frustrated by the fact that he can't reach it.]]> 2017-11-21 10:47:10 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/209030515 Juli Kang juli_kang_21 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/209331136 The word "prosperity" connotes a life full of satisfaction and flourish. The word is used to show how much the characters were affected after they had lost all their property. Furthermore, it allowed an understanding about the son and father's lavish life before, bringing an overall negative effect in the story. ]]> 2017-11-22 05:04:47 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/209331136 Daniel Park daniel_park_21 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/209429045 The word "overflow" is mainly used to exaggerate an action or state. In this phrase, the author is trying to tell us that the father was overjoyed and was smiling widely as he was telling his son about his recent life. Overflow also has connotations of love and unstable, which might be to suggest the love he was giving to his son and also that the smile was only temporary.]]> 2017-11-22 12:45:05 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/209429045 Justin Lee (Kyuwon https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/209436290 The Sun
"Deceived beyond its strengths by the autumn sun"
Denotation: The star around which the earth orbits.
It has connotations of happiness, warmth, optimism, smile, and so on.
The sun adds to the idea of the main character's father being very optimistic.

]]> 2017-11-22 13:12:29 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/209436290 https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/209436983 2017-11-22 13:14:58 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/209436983 Sophie Sanderson https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/209998064 The word “dismantled” has a literal definition of take to pieces (a machine or structure). It has connotations of, torn apart, broken, ripped, shredded, and wrecked. The word is used to describe the showroom and it shows why the man is embarrassed when he looks at it. The word dismantled helps to create a sad, messy, filthy and old atmosphere.]]> 2017-11-25 03:33:02 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/209998064 Benjamin Grohmann https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/210000231 The word "tombstone" in this story, is an indication to the two faces of the father. One side, filled with greed for money and the other side, a side of never wanting to see money ever again. Tombstones give a feeling of dullness and freezing. This is the reason for my winter themed background. I think it is a metaphor for the two sides of the father and also that one side, the side that never wants to see money again might die soon. I think that the "tombstone" symbolises that one side of the father is dull and the other already dead.

]]> 2017-11-25 04:41:46 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/210000231 Jiye Moon https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/210095387 The word empty is used to describe barren settings and situations where there are literally nothing. However, in this story, empty is used to describe the state of Harold's dad. Having lost everything he had built for 30 years breakdown piece by piece, the atmosphere seems heavy and bare. Also literally, his father is empty because of his bankrupt state and the state of his office which "even the calendars and wastepaper-basket had gone". It describes his father's mental state as towards the end of story, we see him empty of energy even though he wants to retain his optimistic stance. ]]> 2017-11-26 03:26:57 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/210095387 Madeline Lee https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/210137090 The literal meaning of the word "dead' means that something is no longer alive. However, in this story, this word is used to describe the change in the tone is the father's voice, that is hard, flat and silent, showing another side of his characteristic. Until this point, the father is viewed as optimistic, but this word choice clearly shows the inner face of the father which startles the reader as they discover another personality of the father. The readers will experience a great amount of shock through this particular line because they now know the true inside of the father.]]> 2017-11-26 13:36:51 UTC https://padlet.com/heatheradkinsseoulforeignorg1/bswp590f9ej4/wish/210137090