Love a German

Richler devotes so little of his argument to the original causes of his reading, and so much more to the causes, as the focus of the essay is not about himself as a child, but rather the discovery of a brilliant novel. He is directing is analysis more on the impact the novel had on his life, rather than his life before the novel.

Richler describes many effects on his life after reading novels. He elaborated more on the changes to come after the effects, such as creating a new baseball team, or learning to question everything told to him. He was also caught emotionally by the authors story-telling of a character who did not finish the novel in a happy way to which he was accustomed.

The strategic placing of spaces throughout the essay gives the reader a sense of structure to the development of the story. He explains the essay through a series of progressive changes in his life, to show the effects of the novel post-reading it. This technique allows for a simple method of organization, and keeps the reader following a systematized essay.

Richler exploits the use of a comparison, as the comparison of the novel to such a serious matter in war puts it on a more powerful level, and brings out its humanity, which cannot be compared to the nuclear war.

Richler's overall message is serious, but he adds a certain level of satire for enjoyment, and primarily to keep the reader interested. Keeping in mind that his essay is written partly about his childhood, he adds a taste of adolescence. His humour helps the argument, as it gives a sense of his personality as a kid, to further compel the reader on that personal level.

Images are used in the essay to add description to other events, without actually describing the events themselves. In paragraph eleven, he compares the book to a ticking time bomb, giving the impression that the event of reading the novel was inevitable. Even by purchasing a beret, but never wearing it he promotes his lack of courage. Also, just by his description of the room, he is able to set an environment to accompany his pain of being a baby-faced 13 year-old.

Calling Paul Baumer an old man at the age of 19 is ironic as a young man to the world has seen what many have not, and experienced the hardships and cruelty that man can bring. Irony such as this promotes conciseness, because it allows for the reader to understand the situation,