We All Fall Down by Robert Cormier uses language, structure of plot and characterisation to create a suspenseful novel. Language features such as confronting expletives and report style writing which are crucial for the suspenseful tone. Structural plotting using a Part one and Part two technique and narrative twists have a significant effect on the suspense. The use of characterisation with the assistance of the Avenger and Harry Flowers play the role of adding suspense to the novel.
Language in the novel plays a significant role in delivering a suspenseful novel. Expletive language is used in the earlier stages and in sections throughout the book. The language used like that has a purpose; to confront the reader and make them taken aback by the ruthlessness of the language. Terms like “Piss, Shit, and Bitch” are shown in the novel mostly at the time of an intense scene happening. The language shown in We All Fall Down shows the true savageness of those parts of the novel which in turn adds to the building suspense.
Towards the start of the Novel Cormier states the time at which certain things were happening in the novel: “They entered the house at 9:02 pm, At 9:46 pm fourteen year old Karen Jerome…., At 9:51 pm the invaders left the house”. This is telling us that it is information that is getting straight to the point being given to us by the author. The report style system adds to the suspense because we know it is actually happening and there is no light-heartedness in the scene. We are automatically attracted to scenes of drama and action and when the book states the times it shows the seriousness of it.
Throughout bits of the novel Cormier uses a technique referred to as ‘Part one and Part two’. This is what happens when something occurs in the novel when there will be substantial consequential factors in the end. One second the tone is all happy and forgiving and the next it is one of sorrow guilt and betrayal. This technique adds to