Mining For Meaning

Prose Exercise 3

1) Although the fact that Vampires are traditionally known to be evil and cruel in nature, this text defers the point. Evidence shown from the text that the Vampire did not hurt the boy as, The vampire sat down slowly opposite him and, leaning forward, said gently, confidentially, "Don't be afraid. Just start the tape." This shows that the vampire had no intention of hurting the boy even though he had the opportunity to do so. Also, the vampire treats the boy with respect and don't order him around even though he could easily threaten the boy. As shown in the starting of the text that the vampire actually made normal conversations with the boy. Thus the vampire in this extract appears to be different.

2) The writer uses phrases and words such as "could not repress a gasp", "the boy shuddered", "stammer", "sweat running down the sides of his face", to show that the boy was becoming increasingly nervous and uneasy during the interview as compared to the starting of the text where the boy still spoke in confidence.

3) In the beginning of the text, the boy replies the vampire with much confidence and even told the vampire indirectly that the vampire needs him, thus his story had better be good. Evidence shown as, "Sometimes I interview as many as three or four people at night if i'm lucky. But it has to be a good story." However, as the interview progresses, the boy felt uneasy and afraid of the Vampire as shown in the text that the boy shuddered, sweat was running down the sides of his face and he also stammered, afraid to offend the Vampire in any way. This shows how the vampire takes control of the interview as it progresses.