Throughout the story effective word choice is used to show both the personality of the aunt and the emotions of the boy, both as a child and a young man. When the boy was young he showed great interest in his aunt and asked many questions as he had an innocent mind. This is shown by looking, firstly, at the words of the aunt. "Don't be so inquisitive" By saying this the aunt not only shows the way in which the boy was always asking questions but also reinforces the private side that she had and how she did not like to give too much away. Again this is shown when the boy asks to take the postcards his aunt has given him downstairs to steam the stamps off, he was told no, after the aunt discovered that his mother was there, obviously not wanting his mother to see them. The most important part of the story, when dealing with the aunt's "secrets" is when she tells the boy "Anything else, yes! That section no!" By disallowing the child to look at certain letters, not only does it spark curiosity in the boys mind but also shows that she did have something to hide. This is what instigated the boy to investigate further when his aunt was out and then lead to the betrayal.
Another important aspect of the language used in Secrets is imagery. By looking at the imagery it is possible to learn more about the characteristics of the aunt. A vase of irises is used in various parts of the story to symbolise the aunt. " a cut-glass of irises, dying withered from the tips inwards clearing up after themselves" This metaphor is used at the beginning of the story to show the aunt deteriorating, her once strong beautiful self weakening and still tidy and organised. The organised and methodical sides ell as the age of the aunt is also shown using symbolism. "divided into pigeon holes gathered in batches" Again this shows the neatness of the aunt. Symbolism is also used to show the aunt's relationship with John.