Summary Of Absolam Absalom

This passage is a wonderful example of an opening description of setting. It fits into the structure of the novel by giving the audience a first look at the setting, using imagery and descriptive language to create a picture in the reader’s mind. The author begins using a comparison between hygienic modern bathrooms and the soldiers’ open view. He later uses personification when he writes, “The wind plays with our hair; it plays with our words and thoughts,” (Remarque 9). His calm and carefree diction adds to the peaceful mood.

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

     Another thing also stood out to me, similar to the previous quote. “Yes I told myself. It is finally over. I stood up and stretched and looked across the highway at the river, so tranquil, its water as blue as the sky. The willows near the edge of the water were just as still, and no breeze stirred the Spanish moss that hung from the cypresses.” Grant’s reflection on the atmosphere after the death of Jefferson creates a sense of perfect harmony within the little town that was in commotion just a few hours before. The river was perfect, and the willows did not move out of respect for the dead. This quote is a perfect example of how a novel is not just about the main story, but also about the little things that make a big impression.

Hawthorne describes a cold and gray day.  This description gives the reader a sense of isolation as well as slight depression.  However, the mention of a slight breeze that ruffles the canopy of the forest just enough to let in little flickers of sunshine conveys a fleeting ray of hope that seems to coexist with the gloominess in the scene.  In many scenes during the book, moods or prevailing feelings are established through descriptions of the natural surroundings of the characters.  This aspect of Hawthorne's writing makes the book deeper and more emotional.

The author uses a lot of figurative language throughout the story. The forceful wind is compared to a dog shaking a rat between its teeth. As Janet tried to calm herself, the idea that a dead woman was in the basement of her house began to beat at her like a flail. The idea that she was frozen with freight was illustrated by her body being like a drawn bow. Examples of more figurative language can be found throughout the text.

Part Four: What does this quotation mean? Why is it significant? How does it connect to an emerging theme of the novel? What is the impact of this passage on the reader?

However, setting is essential to pay attention to because it creates the message of the story; this is done by describing the geographic location, time, surroundings, and small details that help the reader have a better comprehension of the literature. For example, the protagonist mentions the uncomfortable and difficult situations they must endure due to the extremely dry climate. The quote, “Outside, the water has been sucked from everything. The veins in the leaves are hollow, the ditch grass is crackling. The sky has absorbed every drop. It’s a thin whitish-blue veil stretched from end to end over us, a flat gauze tarp,” helps to describe the setting (Erdrich). The setting is presented in the beginning of the story as one of the hottest days of June and takes place in the town of Argus, Dakota. The lack of rain creates concerns about the growth and prosperity of vegetation in the

The dreary and melancholy tone which pervades the excerpt reveals something fundamental of the narrator. And that the character runs counter to what one may first expect from the typical twelve year old boy. This juxtaposition is seen within the first few sentences, where Judd goes from describing his times as a child - which we would expect to be recalled as lively and energetic

This initial reaction, particular thoughts of Charlie and the syntax that was produced by Silvey creates a sinister, grievous mood which creates this particular setting which therefore ultimately changes Charlie’s life. ‘I follow Jasper Jones. And I see it. And everything changes. The world breaks and spins and shakes. I’m screaming, but they’re muffled. I can’t breathe in. I feel like i’m underwater. Deaf and drowning.’ (pg. 12). This following excerpt from the book emphasizes on the horrifying impact this experience has on Charlie. Silvey uses many short sentences to create a scene in the mind of the reader of short cuts which indicates a sense of urgency, tension and haste in the story. This use of syntax really portrays what would have been going through the mind of Charlie which gives the perception of realism to the reader. A few pages later we a given an extract which describes the glade as follows ‘I imagine it might be rare and amazing during the day. A quiet bush oasis. But right now it just seems so sinister and suffocating.’ (pg. 14). Here we are given a proper insight of how this beautiful serene area of bush can be quickly demonized and labelled as ‘sinister and suffocating’. Silvey talks about how this setting, which is so beautiful to be quickly reshaped into something treacherous which gives the impression

Frozen, dark, and grave are intimate words that reflect the malicious tyranny of a depleted south. Thorns and trials are the mental and physical issues that were so common for the protagonist. The entire scene with the armed man shows the blatant confrontation of white versus black. His character is tainted with unjustifiable actions, which scar him forever in ink and more than likely shadow the decision of the reader.

Faulkner uses syntactical strategies throughout his speech to assist him in communicating his message to his audience. In the third paragraph he emphasizes a syntax device known as anaphora, when stating, “He must learn them again… He much teach himself… He writes not of love…He writes not of the heart…”.The anaphora helps Faulkner be effective in his argument by the repetition of words to help him get his view of things across to the audience. To also succor his effectiveness he uses polysyndeton, which is used to draw the audience’s attention therefore adding the effect of persistence and intensity to help keep his audiences attention, making his speech effective. An example of polysyndeton is when he declares “love and honor and pity and pride and compassion and sacrifice” This quote helps signify that authors need to write from their soul and

This quote brings up the idea of how the season of winter is what isolated him to a point where people question that “‘... he’s been in Starkfield too many winters. Most of the smart ones get away.’” (Wharton 5). As the novel progresses, this brutal climate also develop characteristics, warm and happy or cold and miserable,

Throughout the passage, Melville uses many adverbs and adjectives to make the dark and heavy mood. That’s what makes the whole story mysterious.

The narrators alternate, showcasing the fluctuating levels of coherence, understanding and emotional strength. The dialect differs from character to character and the language each character uses, varies on level of intensity and subjectivity. Each character’s speech varies from being confessional to teetering on the line of awareness and consciousness. The characters each have their own view on life and on the way Addie Bundren lived her life: through these alternate character’s eyes, we can piece together the bits and pieces of Addie’s life, death and the haulage of her decaying body to Jefferson. The narrative seems to be fragmented however, it also exhibits a type of unity. The story takes place over the course of a few days yet the differing “sub-plots are logically and skillfully interwoven” (Ross 309). Faulkner forces the reader to see the narrative from multiple perspectives.

This bitterness and sarcasm is revealed as strong characteristics of the narrator. Throughout the majority of the story, the narrator continues shows his distaste for any "happy" situation. Much like the hyphenated asides, Carver implements fragmented sentences behind description, to show the narrator pausing for a moment of color commentary.