At the letterpress table

Text: an original contemporary workshop-feature-style practice extract.

At the letterpress table, the word looked wrong until it was printed. The printer held a small block of lettering towards us, and several visitors tilted their heads as though changing the angle might put the letters in order. She placed it in the press without correcting anything.

The first sheet emerged with a clear word. We passed it along the table, more impressed by this modest arrival than by the large machine beside us. The printer showed a faint mark where the pressure had been uneven and adjusted the setting. A second sheet carried the same word, but the difference was visible when the pages were held together.

I had expected the workshop to provide the pleasure of an old machine performing a simple trick. Instead, repetition supplied most of its interest. A word could be legible before the printer considered it finished. The sheets on the table recorded decisions too small to notice if I had admired only the first successful impression.

Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to interest and engage the reader.

In your answer, consider:

• language features and techniques
• structural techniques
• the effect on the reader.

Support your views with detailed reference to the extract.