Ahmed Hears In Cairo

What do we learn about life in the 18th century and how successfully does the writer convey this information whilst telling us a good story?

How does the context of the novel affect the way this value or idea is represented

The theme is reflected through the people in the book, and events that take place in the

This paper will be a unique interpretation coupled with an analysis of rhetoric in A Thousand Acre’s by Jane Smiley. This non-fiction novel is told in third person omniscient and is focused on the point of view of one of the main characters, Ginny Cook. A Thousand Acres was a modern-day retelling of Shakespeare’s King Lear; set on a large farm and small town in Iowa. This setting is important to the plot because it is more realistic compared to a far away mystical land that is detached from its audience. Smiley uses various rhetorical and literary techniques within her book to engage readers while still keeping to the basic storyline previously written by Shakespeare. Smiley’s use of language positively aids the imagery and emotions seen

In the very first paragraph, the reader encounters the use of many literary devices. As the narrator “…walked out into the desert…” one begins to understand the setting. The ellipsis gives a carefree feeling, as one nonchalantly carries throughout their evening stroll. Then, he encounters “savory odors” that “were sweet on the cooler air.” The “savory

Prompt: The novel contains many literary elements and references to different works of literature, how do these convey the themes of the novel?

Eaton presents both settings as hostile and daunting. The desert is depicted as being a dangerous prison from which escape is impossible as described as “Dry, thorny bushes formed a natural, almost impenetrable wall of spinifex.” (Pg.145) and Port Barren as described as “A hot, dusty, dry hole with flies.” (Pg.17) by Jamie. The reader is positioned to sympathize with Jamie’s predicament of being stuck in this unfriendly environment. Jamie’s relationship with the setting by the end as he is accepted by the locals and earns a sense of belonging. As a short extract from the story represents: “I meant to ask you, what do you reckon I am? Neither mate. You’re local.” (Pg.

“Far on the sands” is a reflective poem that emphasizes Smith’s heartache. Smith expresses her feelings of anguish through her interpretation of the landscape. The beautiful image of “The sighing summer wind forgets to blow. / As sinks the daystar in the rosy West, / The silent wave, with rich reflection glows;” (ll. 3-5). should inspire some feeling of serenity. Instead, Smith feels bitter that even this beautiful scene cannot soothe her. She states, “Alas! Can tranquil Nature give me rest, / Or scenes of beauty, soothe me to repose?” (ll. 7-8). The focus on Smith’s feelings of torment when viewing the

What is a paragraph or passage in the first two that stood out to you? Why did that particular passage grab your attention?

For example, the setting of the novel is that Billie Jo and her family are living in the middle of the Dust Bowl. The meaningful phrase “A sea of dust” (33), is an excellent example because it created an imagery of the storm.

8. Name some sentences/quotes within the text the could be considered important to meaning/moral of the story.

What do we learn about life in the 18th century and how successfully does the writer convey this information whilst telling us a good story?

He describes it in such detail because he wants to describe the setting in a way that appeals to the reader. Opinions may vary, but when I read the first page I automatically thought of a place abundant in greenery and animals. Maybe even a forest with a running river. But then later on in the book he describes the setting in a very opposite manner.

It show the exaggeration Santiago’s attitude about the desert. Between the beginning and the middle of the book, Santiago talks with a leader of a caravan that believes that “the desert is a capricious lady”(73). He goes on to say that the desert “drives men crazy”(73). This says that the desert is unpredictable and that Santiago and the leader of the caravan think that the desert is a cruel place. Overall showing the view of Santiago as negative towards the desert.

In Ahmed’s letter to the king of Sweden which has been translated twice, the personal pronounce such as “I” is used to make the letter more personal.The use of “we” emphasises the happiness of the family. The superlative is used such as “the worst” to emphasise how terrible the moments for Ahmed was. The sorrow is portrayed from the text from the usage of emotive language. For instance, “Nothing is left of it.” and “My teacher was killed by a shot right before our eyes”. The heartbreaking story is told from this letter. The identity of the writer is shown through the text that the writer is a miserable twelve-year-old child who suffered from the war. The identity is constructed by his use of language. Firstly, using short sentences suggests