The Blue Hotel

by Stephen Crane

The Blue Hotel: Dialect 1 key example

Section 2
Explanation and Analysis—American West Dialect:

One of the ways that Crane makes his story seem realistic is by having his characters from the American West speak in their local dialect. Take the following passage, for example, in which Crane captures the similar dialects of Scully, Johnnie, and the cowboy:

“Never mind, Mr. Scully; never mind. I will go away. I do not wish to be killed.” The Swede moved toward the door which opened upon the stairs.

[…]

“Now,” said Scully severely, “what does this mane?”

Johnnie and the cowboy cried together: “Why, we didn’t do nothin’ to ’ im!”

Scully’s eyes were cold. “No,” he said, “you didn’t?”

Johnnie swore a deep oath. “Why, this is the wildest loon I ever see. We didn’t do nothin’ at all. We were jest sittin’ here playin’ cards, and he—”