Sebastain Faulks’ Literary Techniques in ‘Birdsong’

Language of War

When Azaire is talking with his business associates he uses various words which could be associated with the language of war. For example he uses the word, ‘retrench’. He then talks about the workers in a military ranking fashion, ‘reclassified as untrained workers’. He doesn’t talk about them as real people with livelihoods and families to sustain. He instead talks about them as objects which are either earning or losing him money. This is very similar to the way in which the army generals, and Stephen, talk to the soldiers later on in the novel during the war.

Language of Love and Reproduction

Although the erotic scenes have not yet begun in the first chapter of the novel, the language used by Faulks is still very suggestive and sensuous. He uses many words that have sexual connotations for example: ‘thrust’ and ‘plunge’. This could be premeditating what is going to happen between Stephen and Isabelle. However, it also reminds us of reproduction and new life. This is fairly ironic as this novel is about the Great War, a time of death and sadness. Additionally, Stephen watches every move that Isabelle makes, ‘her white hands seemed to barely touch the cutlery when she ate’. Faulks’ long descriptions of Isabelle make the reader realise how infatuated Stephen is with Isabelle. The love language really sets a pre-war scene, full of love, passion and fascination. This makes the wars arrival even more devastating.

 Language of Nature.

At the very beginning of the novel there’s a large description of the gardens near Boulevard Du Cange, ‘On the damp grass were chestnut trees, lilac and willows’. Faulks’ description is almost like he’s describing  a Monet painting. He provides us with a truly luscious picture of France. Perhaps this sets the scene for the romantic, loving moments between Isabelle and Stephen. However, I feel that the abundance of language associated with nature, provides us with a paradox. War will have a catastrophic effect on this beautiful idyllic setting when it begins. These lovely gardens full of new life and beauty will turn into battle fields and grave yards.