Repeating one information in various words/phrases is sometimes a method to stress something and bring in nuances - used in some (German) novels. What else can I say <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" /> - I read Alrik's story in English and German, some of the atmosphere got lost. Guess, it's not only a matter of translation, but difference in cultural language, too.
It's a technique used in English sometimes too, but the form is very different. The idea would be to convey a character's reaction to something rather than to stress it to the reader.
Somewhat like: "An iron spear. An
iron spear? An
iron spear!"
Same statement three times, but as thought/spoken by the character, should (I hope <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />) show a progressive realisation of the significance of the object in question to the character.
Something like this can also be used to show personality, at least in part. As the lines are spoken aloud, our protagonist clearly babbles a lot <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
