Strangers on a Train

Style and Technique

Patricia Highsmith's novel «Strangers on a Train» stands out for its psychological tension and masterful use of suspense. Highsmith's style is characterized by conciseness and precision, allowing the reader to focus on the characters' inner worlds and motivations. The language of the work is simple and straightforward, enhancing the sense of reality. Highsmith employs literary devices such as contrast and parallelism to highlight the differences between the main characters and their internal conflicts. The narrative structure revolves around the central idea of a murder exchange, creating tension and intrigue throughout the story. The author skillfully manipulates time and perspective to maintain the reader's interest and gradually reveal the psychological depth of the characters. Highsmith also pays attention to details that help create an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty, which is a hallmark of her style.