In this quote, Dashiell Hammett uses short, sharp language to convey a powerful moment. The simplicity of the boy's words belies the intensity of the situation, creating a sense of tension and intrigue. By focusing on the boy's direct speech, Hammett draws readers in and leaves them curious about what will happen next.
Reflecting on this short quote from Dashiell Hammett's work, consider the power of language and communication. How can two simple words convey so much meaning and emotion? In what ways does the use of language impact our understanding of the characters and the story? How does the brevity of this dialogue enhance the tension and suspense in the scene?
In this quote by author Dashiell Hammett, the simple yet powerful communication of the boy highlights the importance of concise and direct language in today's fast-paced world. In a society where brevity is valued and attention spans are short, being able to convey messages clearly and effectively in just a few words can make a significant impact.
"The boy spoke two words, the first a short guttural verb, the second “you.” - Dashiell Hammett"
“The problem with putting two and two together is that sometimes you get four, and sometimes you get twenty-two.”
“We didn't exactly believe your story.'Then --?''We believed your two hundred dollars.''You mean --' She seemed not to know what he meant.'I mean that you paid us more than if you'd been telling the truth,' he explained blandly, 'and enough more to make it all right.”
“I first heard Personville called Poisonville by a red-haired mucker named Hickey Dewey in the Big Ship in Butte. He also called his shirt a shoit.”
“If you have a story that seems worth telling, and you think you can tell it worthily, then the thing for you to do is to tell it, regardless of whether it has to do with sex, sailors or mounted policemen.”
“When you write, you want fame, fortune and personal satisfaction. You want to write what you want to write and feel it's good, and you want this to go on for hundreds of years. You're not likely ever to get all these things, and you're not likely to give up writing and commit suicide if you don't, but that is -- and should be -- your goal. Anything else is kind of piddling.”
“Talking is something you can't do judiciously unless you keep in practice.”