Greene, Graham: 1904-1991
Brighton Rock, 1938 - Language/Style
- English Language Level: Challenging
- Vocabulary – Greene uses some older or less common words, slang, and idiomatic expressions from 1930s England, especially Cockney slang.
Sentence Structure – Some sentences are long, with multiple clauses and complex punctuation.
Themes and Subtlety – The novel deals with moral ambiguity, crime, and psychological depth, requiring careful reading to fully grasp.
Cultural Context – References to English society, Catholicism, and class differences may require background knowledge to understand fully.
- Vocabulary – Greene uses some older or less common words, slang, and idiomatic expressions from 1930s England, especially Cockney slang.
- It’s not just the words; it’s how they’re used, the ideas behind them, and the context—all of which makes the book challenging overall.