Hal swore in German behind him. He must have reached the part about the rifles; German oaths were reserved for the most stringent occasions, French being used for minor things like a burnt dinner, and Latin for formal insults committed to paper. Minnie wouldn't let either Hal or John swear in English in the house, not wanting the boys to acquire low habits. John could have told her it was too late for such caution but didn't.
In this excerpt, we witness a glimpse into the characters' dynamics through their use of language when expressing frustration. Hal, while dealing with a serious issue regarding rifles, resorts to swearing in German, indicating the gravity of the situation. The passage highlights the hierarchy of languages used for cursing, showing German as reserved for critical matters, while French and Latin serve lesser purposes. This layered approach to language underlines the characters' cultural backgrounds and personal expressions of emotion.
Minnie, a key figure in the household, imposes restrictions on Hal and John's use of English profanity, aiming to protect the boys from developing poor habits. John's knowledge of Minnie's efforts being futile illustrates a tension between parental advice and the realities of growing up. The narrative subtly conveys the intersection of familial expectations, cultural norms regarding language, and the inevitable rebellion or adaptation that comes with age.
