The Zebra-Striped Hearse

Style and Technique

In the book «The Zebra-Striped Hearse», Ross Macdonald employs a style characteristic of the noir detective genre. The language is rich with metaphors and symbolism, adding depth and layers to the narrative. The author masterfully creates an atmosphere of tension and mystery, using short, concise sentences and dialogues that highlight the emotional states of the characters. Macdonald often uses retrospective inserts and flashbacks to reveal the backstory of events and the motives of the characters. The story's structure is built on the gradual unveiling of secrets and intrigues, keeping the reader in constant suspense until the very end. Literary devices such as irony and sarcasm also play a crucial role in creating characters and dialogues, making them more vivid and realistic.