... was happening." The pairing of the adjective freezing with the abstract noun silence can be read in different ways. It is of course possible to interpret this lexis choice as intended to give the reader purely factually information, but this phrase, whether intentionally or not, brings to mind the expression, "frozen with fear." The adjective freezing serves to make the silence seem more real, more of a phsyical presence in the room, than a mere lack of sound. When contrasted with the descriptions of Keenan and McCarthy's racuous games and laughter and physical extertations, the silence that descends after the cell is emptied belies the fear of the unknown and despair at their situation and unknown future. They manage to light a candle, and Keenan uses the simile "the tiny blue flame was like ourselves," describing how they are both "struggling to stay alive." He continues: "exhausted with the struggle ...

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