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The published novel Under The Feet of Jesus by Helena Viramontes depicts the protagonist Estrella and her family moving to America for better opportunities to survive. The vividly brutal descriptions of the poor living conditions of immigrants raises awareness for the lack of immigrant rights by creating sympathy through immersive, detail-rich writing. The author successfully uses imagery, diction, and symbolism to emphasize the inhumane conditions these immigrants had to suffer through in order to provide for their family.

The author employs imagery to illustrate the abhorrent setting Estrella and her family lived in. They temporarily live in an abandoned bungalow has not been cared for many years. It is so dirty that “the stink of despair shot through the misty sunlight, and he knocked a fist against the window to loosen the swollen pane to get some fresh air”. Perfecto even found cobwebs and a dead bird. None of the furniture was suitable for one to live comfortably. Imagery further develops as Viramontes portrays the shocking working conditions of immigrant workers. A pretty girl with a fluffy bonnet on raisin boxes is contrasted nicely with Estrella sweating under “a white sun so mighty, it toasted the green grapes to black raisins”. The author uses various descriptive words to describe the not-so-enjoyable work process of making raisins. Workers had to repeatedly strain their backs to gently pour baskets of grapes onto a sheet of newsprint paper “row after row, sun after sun”. These horrific living and working conditions lead to Estrella being viewed more maturely than a regular normal young child. “That the wet towel wiped on her resistance face each morning, the vigorous brushing and tight braids her mother neatly weaved were not enough”. This provokes an image of a messy girl trying to clean herself up, but the situation does not allow it. To a family struggling to get food every single day, sanitation and aesthetic looks are not their main concerns.

Viramontes effectively uses symbolism to highlight the hard life migrant workers suffered. Alejo compares animal bones in tar pits to human bones. He said to Estrella, “Once when I picked peaches, I heard screams. It reminded me of the animals stuck in the tar pits”. Estrella, after realizing her family’s distressing situation, later compares her family to a “tar pit made of bones”. This tar pit represents the insignificant role migrant workers play in society; heir work is largely overlooked and unappreciated. The animals fall down the pit to produce oil, similar to how migrant workers sacrifice their health and blood to produce fruit and vegetables; both are forever erased and forgotten. This symbolism is very powerful because migrant workers are treated like animals in the United States. They have no voice in the public and hide whenever they see border security officials. Furthermore, Perfecto’s toolbox is a symbol of the improper education offered to migrant children. All the tools in the chest are not explained to Estrella, despite her desperate need to know. “The tool chest stood guard by the door and she slammed the lid closed on the secret. For days she was silent with rage”. A thirteen-year-old Estrella and her siblings did not have the chance to go to school, but instead they had to work.

Readers of Under the Feet of Jesus understand the pain of migrant workers through Viramontes’s impressive diction. The words and phrases convey not only the physical aspect of the description, but also an emotional one. On Page 57, the author writes about a working condition of migrant pescadores. The heat was so extreme and the air was so dirty that “their salt-and-pepper hair dusted brown.” Salt-and-pepper describes the hair color of “brittle women” who are brave and hard-working, but also very easy to break. Additionally, salt signifies the taste of the soaking sweat from workers under the sun. The phrase “their bones” is repeated four times on page 148. This diction links perfectly to the tar pit symbolism. Bones are important organs of the body. The word bones triggers a horrifying image of the corpses of migrant laborers. Alejo is dying because of chemicals due to an unprotected working environment. Estrella and her family are facing a similar fate because they threatened the nurse.

The book Under The Feet Of Jesus highlights the poor living conditions for immigrants working in America during the 1900s. Their hard work is unappreciated, and their lives disposable. Besides, they are in a marginal position in society. Viramontes utilizes symbolism, diction, and imagery to underscore these social issues. 

Works Cited

1. Viramontes, H. (1996). Under the Feet of Jesus. Penguin Books.
2. Hidalgo, E. (2009). Helena María Viramontes: Envisioning the American Dream. University of Arizona Press.
3. Martínez, G. (2000). "Tracing the Lineage of Lloronas: The Novels of Helena María Viramontes and Lucha Corpi." In M. E. Sánchez (Ed.), Contemporary Chicana and Chicano Art: Artists, Works, Culture, and Education (Vol. 1, pp. 191-206). Bilingual Press.
4. García-Caro, M. (2012). "Witnessing Economic Violence: Environmental Justice in Helena María Viramontes's Under the Feet of Jesus." In E. Cueto & H. F. Ramos (Eds.), Bilingual Brokers: Race, Literature, and Language as Human Capital (pp. 95-111). SUNY Press.
5. Ramos, H. F. (2013). "Thinking Queer Intersectionality in Helena María Viramontes's Under the Feet of Jesus." In A. DeJean (Ed.), Queer in Black and White: Interraciality, Same Sex Desire, and Contemporary African American Culture (pp. 79-94). Indiana University Press.
6. Kadi, J. (2019). "Transformative Injustices: Environmental Racism and Gender Violence in Helena María Viramontes's Under the Feet of Jesus." In N. DeCarolis & C. Kinney (Eds.), The Environment in Latin American and Caribbean Literatures and Cultures (pp. 239-254). Routledge.
7. Piña, M. A. (2015). "The Experience of Mexican Immigrants in the United States in Helena María Viramontes's Under the Feet of Jesus." In A. K. Wicht (Ed.), Cultural and Literary Representations of the Mexican Revolution: From the Centennial to the Centenario (pp. 149-166). Palgrave Macmillan.
8. Loza, S. M. (2010). "Helena María Viramontes's Under the Feet of Jesus: Migrant Agency, the Environment, and Decolonization." In D. J. Thompson & M. Hernández (Eds.), Environmental Imaginaries of the Middle East and North Africa (pp. 221-236). Ohio University Press.
9. Reséndez, D. (2017). The Other Slavery: The Uncovered Story of Indian Enslavement in America. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
10. González, M. L. (2016). "Narrating Migration and Transnational Motherhood: Resistance and Empowerment in Under the Feet of Jesus." In M. V. Ortega & R. Saldívar (Eds.), Latina Outsiders Remaking Latina Identity (pp. 107-126). Palgrave Macmillan.

Table of contents

1. Summary
2. Symbolism
3. Imagery
4. Repetition
5. Dialogue
6. Minimalism
7. Conclusion

Summary

Ernest Hemingway's "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" is a short story that explores the themes of loneliness and isolation, the passage of time and the inevitability of aging, and the contrast between the old man and the two waiters. The story follows the lives of three characters: an old man, an older waiter, and a young waiter. The old man is a regular customer at a café, who visits the café late at night to escape the loneliness and darkness of his home. The older waiter is sympathetic towards the old man's loneliness, while the young waiter is impatient and dismissive. Short story "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" is a masterful display of literary devices.

"A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" is a short story by Ernest Hemingway, published in 1933. The story follows the lives of three characters: an old man, an older waiter, and a young waiter. The old man is a regular customer at a café, who visits the café late at night to escape the loneliness and darkness of his home. The older waiter is sympathetic towards the old man's loneliness, while the young waiter is impatient and dismissive.

The story explores the themes of loneliness and isolation, the passage of time and the inevitability of aging, and the contrast between the old man and the two waiters. The old man's dependence on the café as a source of light and comfort highlights his struggle to find meaning and purpose in his life. The imagery of darkness and emptiness used in the story symbolizes the passage of time and the loneliness that comes with aging. The contrast between the old man and the two waiters highlights the different attitudes and perspectives of the characters. In the end, the old man leaves the café and the two waiters leave as well. The café remains open, but the lights are turned off, making the café a clean, well-lighted place, but not for the old man anymore. Short story "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" is a masterful display of literary devices which we will research in this essay.

Symbolism

One of the most prominent literary devices used in the story is symbolism. One of the most prominent symbols in the story is the clean, well-lighted café. The café serves as a symbol of safety and security for the old man, who regularly visits the café late at night to escape the loneliness and darkness of his home. For the old man, the café represents a haven, a place where he can find peace and solace. It is a symbol of light and life in contrast to the darkness and isolation of his home. This is exemplified in the line "He liked it that the café was warm and clean and friendly, and that the café was full of light" (Hemingway, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place"). The café is a place where the old man can find refuge from his fears and loneliness, a symbol of hope and comfort in a world that seems otherwise dark and empty.

The café also serves as a symbol of the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The old man's regular visits to the café late at night suggest that he is unable to sleep, possibly due to the loneliness and isolation of his life. The café becomes a symbol of the old man's inability to escape the passage of time and the loneliness that comes with aging. The café is also a symbol of the contrast between the old man and the two waiters. The old man's dependence on the café represents his lack of purpose and fulfillment in life, while the waiters' ability to leave the café at the end of the night represents their ability to find fulfillment and purpose in their lives. This is exemplified in the line "You have youth, confidence, and a job. You have everything" (Hemingway, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place"). Well-lighted café in "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" serves as a powerful symbol of safety and security, hope and comfort, the passage of time, and the contrast between the old man and the two waiters. It is a symbol of the old man's struggle to find meaning and purpose in his life, and highlights the theme of loneliness and isolation that runs throughout the story.

Imagery

Imagery is another literary device used in the story. Hemingway uses imagery to create a sense of contrast between the clean, well-lighted café and the dark and lonely home of the old man. The café is described as "clean" and "well-lighted," evoking a sense of cleanliness and brightness that contrasts with the dark and lonely home of the old man. For example, the line "It was very late and everyone had left the café except an old man who sat in the shadow the leaves of the tree made against the electric light" (Hemingway, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place"). This imagery creates a sense of contrast between the warm and bright café and the dark and shadowy tree outside. This contrast highlights the stark difference between the two places and the old man's dependence on the café as a source of light and comfort. Hemingway also uses imagery to convey the theme of loneliness and isolation. The old man's home is described as "dark" and "empty," symbolizing his loneliness and isolation.

The imagery of darkness and emptiness is used to create a sense of despair and hopelessness, highlighting the old man's struggle to find meaning and purpose in his life. Additionally, Hemingway uses imagery to convey the theme of the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The imagery of darkness and emptiness is also used to symbolize the passage of time and the loneliness that comes with aging. The line "It was very late and everyone had left the café" (Hemingway, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place") highlights the time and the loneliness of the old man in the café. Imagery is a powerful literary device used by Hemingway in "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" to create a sense of contrast between the café and the old man's home, to convey the theme of loneliness and isolation, and to convey the theme of the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The imagery used in the story adds depth and meaning to the story, making it a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature.

Repetition

Repetition is also used as a literary device in the story. It is used as a literary device to emphasize the importance of the café to the old man and the theme of loneliness and isolation. The phrase "a clean, well-lighted place" is repeated multiple times throughout the story, underscoring the significance of the café as a source of light and comfort for the old man in his dark and lonely life. For example, the line "He liked it that the café was warm and clean and friendly, and that the café was full of light" (Hemingway, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place") is repeated in the story. This repetition emphasizes the importance of the café to the old man, highlighting his dependence on it as a source of light and comfort. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm, adding to the overall mood and atmosphere of the story.

Repetition is also used to convey the theme of the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The old man is described as "an old man" multiple times throughout the story, emphasizing his age and the passage of time. This repetition highlights the old man's struggle to find meaning and purpose in his life, and his eventual acceptance of the loneliness that comes with aging. Additionally, repetition is used to convey the theme of the contrast between the old man and the two waiters. The old man's dependence on the café is contrasted with the waiters' ability to leave the café at the end of the night, which represents their ability to find fulfillment and purpose in their lives. The line "You have youth, confidence, and a job. You have everything" (Hemingway, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place") is repeated which highlights the contrast between the old man and the waiters. To concllude repetition is a powerful literary device used by Hemingway in "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" to emphasize the importance of the café to the old man, to convey the theme of loneliness and isolation, and to convey the theme of the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The repetition used in the story adds depth and meaning to the story, making it a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature.

Dialogue

Dialogue is another literary device used in the story. It is used as a literary device to reveal the different perspectives of the characters on life, age, and loneliness. The conversations between the three characters: the old man, the older waiter, and the young waiter, provides insight into their different attitudes towards the world, their struggles and their perspectives on life. For example, when the older waiter is talking with the young waiter, he says "He is lonely. That is all" (Hemingway, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place"). This line of dialogue reveals the older waiter's understanding and empathy towards the old man's loneliness. It also highlights the theme of loneliness and isolation that runs throughout the story.

Additionally, the dialogue between the two waiters reveals the contrast between the old man and the two waiters. The older waiter expresses his understanding of the old man's loneliness and isolation, while the younger waiter is more dismissive and impatient, exemplified in the line "What does he want? A drink is not company" (Hemingway, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place"). This contrast highlights the different attitudes and perspectives of the characters, and adds depth to the story. Moreover, the dialogue also highlights the theme of the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The older waiter expresses his understanding of the old man's loneliness, while the young waiter is dismissive, exemplifying the theme of the contrast between the old man and the waiters. The older waiter's words "You have youth, confidence, and a job. You have everything" (Hemingway, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place") highlights the contrast and the theme of the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. Dialogue is a literary device used by Hemingway in "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" to reveal the different perspectives of the characters, to highlight the theme of loneliness and isolation and to convey the theme of the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The dialogue used in the story adds depth and meaning to the story, making it a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature.

Minimalism

Finally, Hemingway uses minimalism in the story, using simple and direct language to convey complex ideas and emotions. The story is short, with a limited number of characters and a simple plot, but it packs a powerful emotional punch. Hemingway's use of minimalism allows the reader to fill in the gaps and infer meaning from the story, making it all the more powerful. For example, the line "It was very late and everyone had left the café except an old man who sat in the shadow the leaves of the tree made against the electric light" (Hemingway, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place") is simple and direct, but it is also rich in meaning. The imagery of the old man sitting alone in the shadow of the tree, with only the electric light for company, conveys a sense of loneliness and isolation. This minimalistic approach leaves much to the reader's interpretation, adding depth and meaning to the story.

Hemingway's use of minimalism also allows him to convey complex themes and emotions through simple and direct language. For instance, the theme of the passage of time and the inevitability of aging is conveyed through the imagery of the old man sitting alone in the café, and the dialogue between the two waiters. This minimalistic approach makes the story more powerful and thought-provoking. Additionally, Hemingway's use of minimalism in the story allows the reader to focus on the emotions and the themes, rather than getting caught up in the details of the plot. This makes the story more powerful and thought-provoking and allows the reader to reflect on their own life experiences and emotions. In sum, it is a literary device used by Hemingway in "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" to convey complex ideas and emotions through simple and direct language. The minimalistic approach used in the story adds depth and meaning to the story, making it a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" is a masterful display of literary devices. Hemingway's use of symbolism, imagery, repetition, dialogue and minimalism adds depth and meaning to the story, making it a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature. The story explores the themes of loneliness and isolation, the passage of time and the inevitability of aging, and the contrast between the old man and the two waiters, all through the eyes of the characters, and the use of literary devices, making it a profound and poignant story that still resonates with readers today.

Table of contents

1. Inroduction
2. Symbolism
3. Imagery
4. Point of view
5. Irony
6. Conclusions

Inroduction

The story in a novel written by Mark Medoff Children of a Lesser God centers around the relationship between a deaf woman named Sarah and a speech therapist named James. The novel explores themes of communication, disability, and power dynamics in relationships.

Symbolism

One of the most prominent literary devices used in the novel is symbolism. In the novel character of Sarah's deafness serves as a powerful symbol for the broader theme of communication. Her struggles to communicate with those around her and the ways in which she is misunderstood and marginalized demonstrate the challenges and barriers that can exist in communication.

Sarah's deafness also symbolizes the power dynamics that exist in relationships, particularly in her relationship with James. Her inability to hear and speak creates a power imbalance, as James is able to speak and hear and is often able to control and dominate their conversations. This dynamic is further reinforced by the fact that James is a speech therapist, and is, therefore, seen as the expert on communication.

Additionally, Sarah's deafness also symbolizes the societal attitude towards those who are different or have disabilities. Throughout the novel, Sarah experiences discrimination and marginalization due to her deafness, which reflects the real-world challenges that people with disabilities face in society.

Furthermore, Sarah's deafness also serves as a symbol of the importance of self-expression and autonomy. Sarah's desire to express herself in her own way, through sign language, and not to conform to the hearing world's expectation to speak, reflects the importance of being able to communicate in a way that feels authentic and true to oneself.

In summary, the symbolism of Sarah's deafness is used to explore themes of communication, power dynamics, societal attitudes toward those who are different, and self-expression. The symbolism is used to show the difficulties and barriers that can exist in communication and the ways in which it can impact the relationships and lives of people with disabilities.

Imagery

Another literary device used in the novel is imagery. Medoff uses descriptive language to paint vivid pictures of the setting and characters, which helps to create a deeper understanding of the characters and their emotions.

One of the most prominent examples of imagery in the novel is the description of Sarah's movements and expressions as she speaks in sign language. The imagery used to describe her gestures, facial expressions, and body language adds to the reader's understanding of her character and her emotions. It also helps to convey the complexity and richness of sign language, which is often overlooked and underestimated by hearing people.

Another example of imagery in the novel is the description of the setting. Medoff uses imagery to create a sense of place and atmosphere, which helps to establish the mood and tone of the story. For example, the imagery used to describe the classroom where Sarah teaches speech, gives the reader a sense of the environment and atmosphere in which the story takes place.

Imagery is also used to describe characters' physical appearance, which helps the reader to visualize the characters and understand their personality. For example, the imagery used to describe James, as a tall and confident man, gives the reader a sense of his physical presence and his personality.

In conclusion, the imagery is used to create a sense of realism and immerse the reader in the story. The descriptive language used to paint vivid pictures of the setting, characters, and their emotions, helps to establish the mood and tone of the story, and to convey the complexity and richness of sign language. The imagery also helps the reader to understand the characters and their personalities, making the story more relatable and memorable.

Point of view

The use of point of view is also notable in Children of a Lesser God that helps to shape the reader's understanding of the characters and events in the story. The story is told through both Sarah and James' perspectives which allows the reader to see the events from different perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations.

The point of view from Sarah's perspective allows the reader to experience the story from her perspective, which helps to understand her emotions and her struggles. Sarah's internal thoughts and feelings are revealed through her perspective, which allows the reader to understand her motivations and her frustrations. The reader also gets a glimpse of the barriers and difficulties that Sarah faces in communicating with others, which gives a deeper understanding of the theme of communication.

On the other hand, the point of view from James' perspective gives the reader a different perspective on the same events. James' thoughts and feelings are revealed through his perspective, which allows the reader to understand his motivations and his intentions. It also gives the reader a sense of how James perceives Sarah and how his perception of her changes over time.

The use of alternating point of view in Children of a Lesser God also helps to highlight the power dynamics in their relationship. The reader is able to see how James' perspective and actions can dominate the relationship and how Sarah's perspective is often overlooked and dismissed.

To sum up, the point of view in Children of a Lesser God is an important literary device that helps to shape the reader's understanding of the characters and events in the story. The alternating point of view between Sarah and James' perspective allows the reader to see the events from different perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. It also helps to highlight the power dynamics in their relationship and to convey the theme of communication, specifically the difficulties and barriers that can exist in communication.

Irony

The irony is also used effectively in the novel to highlight the themes of communication and the ways in which it is often taken for granted. One of the most notable examples of irony in the novel is Sarah, who is a teacher of speech, but she herself is unable to speak. This ironic situation highlights the theme of communication and the ways in which it is often taken for granted. It also serves as a reminder that those who are experts on communication may not necessarily have the ability to fully understand the struggles of those who have difficulty communicating.

Another example of irony in the novel is the relationship between James and Sarah. James is a speech therapist who is supposed to help Sarah communicate better but instead he tries to change her and make her conform to the hearing world's expectations. This ironic situation highlights the theme of power dynamics in relationships and the ways in which individuals can attempt to control and dominate others.

Moreover, throughout the novel Sarah faces discrimination and marginalization due to her deafness. This is ironic because she is a teacher of speech, yet she is not given the same opportunity and respect as hearing people. This ironic situation reflects the societal attitude towards those who are different or have disabilities and how they are often not given equal opportunities and rights.

Finally, Irony is used in Children of a Lesser God to highlight the themes of communication, power dynamics and societal attitudes towards those who are different. The ironic situations in the novel serve as a reminder of the ways in which communication is often taken for granted and the ways in which individuals can attempt to control and dominate others. The irony also reflects on the societal attitude towards people with disabilities and the discrimination they face.

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Conclusions

Children of a Lesser God is a novel that effectively uses literary devices such as symbolism, imagery, point of view, and irony to explore themes of communication, disability, and power dynamics in relationships. These devices help to create a rich and nuanced story that immerses the reader in the world of the characters and leaves a lasting impact. The symbolism of Sarah's deafness serves as a powerful representation of the broader theme of communication, power dynamics, societal attitudes towards those who are different, and self-expression. The imagery is used to create a sense of realism and immerse the reader in the story, by describing the setting, characters, and their emotions. The point of view in the novel is an important literary device that helps the reader to understand the characters, their motivations, and the dynamics of the relationship between Sarah and James. Lastly, the irony used in the novel serves as a reminder of the ways in which communication is often taken for granted, the ways in which individuals can attempt to control and dominate others, and the societal attitude towards people with disabilities. All these literary devices combined make Children of a Lesser God a compelling and thought-provoking novel that explores important themes that still resonate today.

Table of contents

1. Imagery
2. Symbolism
3. Foreshadowing
4. Point of view
5. Conclusion

In 1991, Alex Kotlowitz published a nonfiction book called "There Are No Children Here." The book tells the story of two brothers, Lafeyette and Pharoah Rivers, who grow up in the Henry Horner Homes, a public housing project in Chicago. Through the use of literary devices, Kotlowitz paints a vivid picture of the poverty, violence and despair that plagues the lives of the residents of the public housing project.

Imagery

One literary device used in the novel is imagery. Kotlowitz uses vivid descriptions of the physical surroundings of the Henry Horner Homes to convey the poverty and despair of the residents. For example, he describes the buildings as "gaunt and gray" and "gutted by fire and neglect." He also describes the streets as "littered with garbage and broken glass" and the playground as "a concrete wasteland." These descriptions create a powerful image of the poverty and hopelessness of the residents' lives. Additionally, the imagery of fire is also used as a symbol throughout the novel. The frequent fires in the project symbolize the destruction and chaos that plagues the lives of the residents, and it is also used as a metaphor for the violence and destruction that ravages the community.

Symbolism

Another literary device used in the novel is symbolism. Kotlowitz uses the image of the River brothers' mother, LaJoe, as a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Despite the many challenges she faces, such as poverty, violence, and neglect, LaJoe remains determined to give her children a better life. She works hard to provide for them, and she is always there for them when they need her. Her strength and determination are a powerful symbol of hope in the midst of despair. Similarly, the idea of being trapped is also used to symbolize the larger theme of being trapped in a system of poverty and neglect. The River brothers, like many of the residents of the public housing project, are trapped in a cycle of poverty, with no real opportunities to improve their lives. The Henry Horner Homes public housing project is also used as a symbol throughout the novel. The rundown and dilapidated buildings symbolize the poverty, neglect, and despair of the residents, and the project is also a symbol of the larger problem of poverty and inequality in America.

Foreshadowing

Kotlowitz also makes use of foreshadowing in the novel. He drops hints and clues about the potential outcome of the story, hinting at the potential tragic events that may happen to the Rivers family. For example, he describes the dangerous and violent neighborhood they live in, and the constant threat of violence they face. The reader gets a sense that the situation is not going to improve and the constant threat of violence and poverty will continue to loom over the Rivers family.

Point of view

Lastly, the author uses the point of view of the two brothers in the story to give the reader a personal connection to the characters and the events happening around them. The novel is written in the first person, and we see the world through the eyes of Lafeyette and Pharoah Rivers. This point of view allows the reader to see the world as the brothers see it, and to understand their thoughts and feelings. By using the first-person point of view, Kotlowitz is able to convey the raw emotions and experiences of the brothers, and to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The reader is able to see the world through their eyes, which creates a powerful emotional impact. The first-person point of view also allows Kotlowitz to use the brothers' perspectives to create contrast and to highlight the differences between their experiences.

Conclusion

In summary, "There Are No Children Here" by Alex Kotlowitz is a powerful novel that uses imagery, symbolism, foreshadowing, and point of view as literary devices to convey the struggles and hopes of the residents of a public housing project in Chicago. The imagery in the novel creates a vivid picture of the physical and emotional landscape of the Henry Horner Homes. The symbols used in the novel, such as LaJoe and the idea of being trapped, serve to convey deeper meaning and create a sense of symbolic resonance throughout the novel. Foreshadowing is used to create a sense of tension and unease, and to prepare the reader for the tragic events that occur later in the story. And finally, the first-person point of view allows the reader to experience the story from the inside, and to develop a deep emotional connection with the characters. Overall, Kotlowitz's use of literary devices in "There Are No Children Here" creates a powerful and evocative picture of the lives of the residents of the Henry Horner Homes, and highlights the larger issues of poverty and inequality in America.

As the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." This sentiment is reflected in the characters of Salvage the Bones as they face the challenges of poverty and racism, and the looming threat of Hurricane Katrina. Through their struggles, we see their resilience and the indomitable nature of the human spirit.

In Jesmyn Ward's novel Salvage the Bones, the author uses a variety of literary devices to convey the novel's themes and create a visceral and realistic portrayal of the characters' lives. The novel is set in the Gulf Coast, in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina and it tells the story of a poor African-American family, the Batistes, who lives in the fictional town of Bois Sauvage, Mississippi. The novel explores themes of poverty, race, family, and the destructive power of nature. Through the use of stream-of-consciousness narration, symbolism, imagery, foreshadowing, and irony, the author is able to create a powerful and moving portrayal of the characters and their experiences.

One of the most prominent literary devices used in the novel is stream-of-consciousness narration. The novel is narrated from the perspective of the main protagonist, Esch, and her thoughts and feelings are presented in real-time, allowing the reader to gain a deeper understanding of her character and the impact of poverty and racism on her life. For example, Esch's thoughts on her poverty are clearly depicted when she describes the breakfast they had: "We had grits and sugar for breakfast, the only things left in the house. My stomach growls with hunger, but I'm too proud to ask for more."

Another important literary device employed in Salvage the Bones is symbolism. The novel uses symbolism to convey deeper themes, such as the relationship between the characters and the land, and the cyclical nature of life and death. For example, the recurring image of the dogfighting ring symbolizes the brutal cycle of poverty and violence that the characters are trapped in. "The ring is a secret, underground world where the men gather to gamble and fight their dogs. Skeetah’s dogs are his only source of pride and joy, and they are also a symbol of the cycle of violence and poverty that surrounds the Batiste family."

Imagery is also used extensively in the novel to create a realistic portrayal of the characters' lives and the setting. The imagery is used to convey the harsh realities of poverty, such as the rundown house, the lack of food, and the poverty of the area. For example, "The house is falling down around us. The roof leaks and the floorboards are warped. The pipes burst in the freeze and the toilet don't flush right."

Foreshadowing is also employed throughout the novel to hint at the approaching Hurricane Katrina and the devastation it will cause. This literary device helps to build tension and create a sense of impending doom. For example, "The sky is a sickly green, the color of pus. The wind is picking up, and I can feel the first drops of rain on my face."

Finally, irony is used in the novel to contrast the characters' expectations with the reality of their situation. For example, Skeetah's pit bull China is pregnant, and he is worried about her and her puppies, but in reality, the hurricane is about to hit and his dog is the last thing he should be worried about. "Skeetah worries about China and her puppies, but the hurricane is coming and his dog is the last thing he should be worried about."

Overall, the literary devices used in Salvage the Bones serve to create a realistic portrayal of the characters' lives and the setting, and to convey the themes of poverty, race, family, and the destructive power of nature. They help to build tension, create a sense of impending doom, and offer a deeper understanding of the characters and their experiences.

Table of contents

1. Introduction
2. Symbolism
3. Imagery
4. Foreshadowing
5. Characterization
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Literary devices are techniques used by authors to create meaning, enhance the story, and engage the reader. They are used to convey a message, create a certain atmosphere, or make the story more interesting. Some examples of literary devices include symbolism, imagery, foreshadowing, characterization, and metaphor.

Wings of Fire, written by Tui T. Sutherland, is a fantasy book series that employs a variety of literary devices to enhance the story and bring the world of dragons to life. From symbolism to imagery, characterization, and foreshadowing, the book uses these techniques to create a rich and immersive experience for readers.

Symbolism

One of the most prominent literary devices used in Wings of Fire is symbolism. The dragon tribes in the book represent different elements and ideologies, with each tribe symbolizing something different. For example, the SandWings symbolize power and control, while the RainWings symbolize peace and harmony. These symbols are used throughout the series to create a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. As the main character, Clay, says, "SandWings are fierce and powerful, but they're also arrogant and cruel. They want to control everything, and they don't care who they hurt." This quote shows the reader how the symbolism of the SandWings is used to create a deeper understanding of their character and motivations.

Imagery

Another literary device used in Wings of Fire is imagery. The book is filled with vivid descriptions of the dragon world, which creates a sense of realism and immersion for the reader. For example, the description of the SandWing palace is so detailed that readers can almost feel the heat and sand on their skin. This imagery is used to bring the dragon world to life and make it feel like a real place. As the character Sunny says, "I've never seen anything like it. It's like the palace is made of fire." This quote showcases the vivid imagery used in the book, creating a sense of realism and immersion for the reader.

Foreshadowing

In addition, Wings of Fire also employs the use of foreshadowing. Throughout the series, the author gives hints and clues about future events, which keeps readers on the edge of their seats. For example, the prophecy of the dragonets of destiny foreshadows the main conflict of the series, and the reader is given subtle hints throughout the book that eventually lead to the revelation of the prophecy. As the character Glory says, "The prophecy says that we'll bring about the end of the war and bring peace to the dragon tribes." This quote shows how foreshadowing is used to create suspense and anticipation for readers.

Characterization

Lastly, Wings of Fire also uses the literary device of characterization to create a diverse and dynamic cast of characters. Each character is unique and has their own motivations, beliefs, and personalities. For example, the main character, Clay, is a loyal and protective dragon who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his tribe. On the other hand, the villain, Queen Scarlet, is a power-hungry dragon who will stop at nothing to gain control of the tribes. As the character Tsunami says, "Queen Scarlet is a ruthless and ambitious dragon who will stop at nothing to gain power." This quote showcases how characterization is used to create a diverse and dynamic cast of characters.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland uses a variety of literary devices to enhance the story and create a rich and immersive world for readers. From symbolism to characterization, imagery, and foreshadowing, the book employs these techniques to bring the dragon world to life and make it feel like a real place. The use of symbols such as the dragon tribes, the color of the scales, fire, and the dragonets of destiny to represent different elements and ideologies in the dragon world, the vivid imagery used to create a sense of realism and immersion, the hints and clues used to create suspense and anticipation, and the unique and well-developed characters, all contribute to creating a rich and immersive experience for readers

Ernest Hemingway’s short story “Hills Like White Elephants” is about a young woman and an American man having a discussion about issue of abortion and their struggling relationship. However, it is commonly misunderstood and leaves many readers confused since the word “abortion” is never mentioned anywhere. We were left with a dialogue between the two characters with little portions explaining the details of the setting to grasp the main context of the story and draw our own feelings about the characters. Although, the four page story takes place in a very short period of time, it tells a much bigger story disguised underneath. “The hills across the valley of the Ebro’ were long and white. On this side there was no shade and no trees and the station was between two lines of rails in the sun...” The story opens with a description of a train station located in Spain’s Ebro valley where the landscape is shadeless, barren, and hot. Into this landscape appear a young woman, called “Jig” and an American man, who are waiting for an express train. They entered and seat themselves at a bar in the shadow of the station and begin to discuss what they should drink.

Hemingway immediately emphasis in the opening of the story the harsh nature of the setting while the girl and American man escape into the only shade accessible temporary reassurance through alcohol. The dialogue between the two characters that begin with a discussion of what to drink, suggest how central alcohol has become to avoid a real communication with each other. The descriptions of the landscape as infertile and barren hint at the idea of pregnancy and emphasis on the harshness of the sun suggest an obvious tension between the couple which they try to avoid by staying in the building’s shadow and not communicating. This shows that Hemingway’s writing is sparse with his language and does not give away any real plot points; however, the most every detail in his writing actually displays the struggle between the two characters’ minds about wether or not have an abortion. The white hills across the Ebro hills is the probably the first theme direct setting that readers will notice since Hemingway refers to them in the title.

“They look like white elephants,” the girl makes a seemingly innocent remark, to which the man responds that he may or may not have seen one. White elephant signifies a possesion that is useless and burdensome, they are typically unwanted as they bring shame and trouble to their owners more than it’s worth, and the fact that the girl so quickly sees white elephants in the most random surroundings implies that she is thinking a lot about the impending abortion. Shortly afterwards she added: “They are lovely hills… They don’t really look like white elephants.” This may be display that she is having second thoughts about going through with the operation because her baby might not be the white elephant she may once to be. This change of perception regarding the hill could instead be her denial. She may feel guilty about the procedure already, and once she starts seeing the pervasive symbol in the hills, she chooses to use logic to see that they, in fact, her unborn baby does not resemble white elephants, thus conquering her guilt on the issue.

Though the hills may be the first symbolic piece of scenery the reader notices, the train station is actually the first that the reader comes across in the story and only noticed upon re-reading it. The train station is described in the first paragraph as “between two lines of rails,” then later as a junction between Madrid and Barcelona. The meaning seems to be that since the trains run in both directions, at this particular train station, one direction leads to the place where the girl is to have her abortion, and the others do not. This symbolizes the choice they both are trying to make. Though they are at the train station and ready to travel, it is obvious from the dialogue the decision is far from made in their minds and this has been discussed repeatedly as revealed by the girl’s tone as she cuts the man off and finishes his sentences. Hemingway engages a variation of the old fork in the road scenario to symbolize the two possible paths for the characters and the verdict they must come to of which to follow. In this story, Hemmingway separates himself with traditional narrative execution where author gives vivid imagination of the characters and guide the reader through the story.

Rather, he completely removes himself and the readers were left unaware of his voice underneath. He simply referred to the woman as a “girl” and the man as “American man” which suggest that the man is somewhat older and the two are clearly not married. We are uncertain of the man’s true affection towards “Jig” but he never shows any fear for supporting a child or being ashamed of having a bastard child. He also expresses that he does not want any addition into their relationship which suggests that he’s not ready to settle and let go of lifestyle. This short story of Hemingway exemplifies the Iceberg Theory we learned in class. The words written on the page which is known as the “tip of the iceberg” is merely a small part of a much larger story that resides below the surface. We are uncertain on how the characters actually feel, yet the conversation between them convey everything that we can conclude about them.

Hemingway’s writing gives a reflection of the real world: unfair, hazy and utterly mysterious despite seemingly straightforward. His narration might seem detached and a bit cold, but still full of emotions hidden below the surface. Ernest Hemingway had made sure to use every line to demonstrate something of importance in the story and did not waste a word. His dialogue was straight forward and cleanly executed, without any fluffy adjectives or fancy description. I have to admit that it is very easy to miss the symbolism in the story as I am used to it coming slowly throughout a story and often easier to point out. But with only four, Hemingway makes his point clear without the need for explanation, as the actions of the characters and symbolic setting do the work for him. Finally, though it was not clearly addressed whether the two characters went through with the abortion, the symbolism and setting allows the reader to realize they are contemplating having an abortion.

Shirley Jackson, establisher of the Shirley Jackson Awards and obtainer of her degree from Syracuse University where she was also an early fictional editor for the campus magazine, in her short story “The Lottery” (1948) claims that a village, ages ago, used the lottery’s type of selection as a way to choose one citizen to be annually stoned to death by the other citizens as a sacrifice for the crops. Jackson develops her argument by explaining the day and how usual this is for the village without coming completely out and stating that the lottery is used for murder not money. She writes to draw attention to the way the world holds onto outdated traditions without having any real sense of the meanings in order to give some clarification to some of these “traditions” we follow.

Jackson’s writing is intended for an audience of adults starting at ages 18 based off of her many sophisticated topics and writing styles. Jackson begins by vividly describing the beginning of the day while including details letting the audience know that today is a special day in the village. She specifically states the time of day, “morning of June 27th”, and continues by giving an evocative elucidation of the morning. Her vivid account of the scenery continues with, “was clear and sunny, with fresh warmth of a summer day; the flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green”. Jackson proceeded to illustrate the picture of a celebration by stating, “The people of the village began to gather in the square, between the post office and the bank, around ten o’clock”. These pictorial samples give her story a great sense of surprise seeming as how they leave you hanging on the real central idea of the story. After the brief but vivid description of the day, Jackson moves to introduce the audience to the citizens of the town, while also introducing the main topic, the town’s lottery.

According to paragraph, “The children assembled first, of course”, and Jackson proceeds to explain the children's school day. The introduction continues with introducing the adults, some by name, such as “Bobby Martin”, “Harry Jones”, “Dickie Delacriox”, etc. The lottery was introduced based off of characteristics not really its definition as stated, “The lottery was conducted… by Mr. Summers. The original paraphernalia for the lottery - is - the black box resting on the stool”. These introductions continue the process of unfolding the central idea of the story by introducing all the most important details. To close the essay, Jackson finally acknowledged the full central idea of her story. Ms. Jackson ultimately explained the real meaning of the lottery in their time and village. She continues through the passages telling how people became nervous through the pulling of names. Its real meaning is finally stated in the last few paragraphs, “Although the villagers had forgotten the ritual…, they remembered to use stones. Tessie Hutchinson was in the center… as she held her hands out desperately as villagers moved in on her. A stone hit her on the side of the head, and they were upon her”. These obligatory pieces of information made present in the story are the key statements needed to create the central objective of the story.

Overall, it may be said that Shirley Jackson wrote her short story “The Lottery” (1948) to educate her audience on the possible back history of a worldwide tradition known as “The Lottery”. All exemplars of the villages vivid detail, the citizens and their routines, and the lottery stated in the passage were all perfectly placed based off of her central reasoning for this essay. These main ideas were overly effective in assisting with the purpose of this passage in its entirety. For her audience, Jackson’s credibility to write on the genre and topic is exceptional, since she has a long history of writing with a lot of assisting credentials behind her.

In the 1890s, the prejudice against mental illness, especially in women, was reinforced by various physicians. They believed that if a woman was mentally ill, she was either insane or hysteric. They had little to no scientific basis to their theories of the women's lunacy, and often prescribed extended periods of isolation or sent women to asylums because they did not conform to the gender expectations.

In the short story 'The Yellow Wallpaper', Charlotte Perkins Gillman explores and criticizes this practice when she describes the narrator's life with postpartum depression, and how the doctor's prescription only worsened her condition. Gilman uses connotative diction, imagery, and symbolism in her story 'The Yellow Wallpaper' to show society the impact of the stigma against mental health and how the predominant patriarchal gender roles affected women in the 1890s. Gilman begins her short story by setting a distinct patriarchal tone, employing diction specific to provoking feelings of male power and authority over women. When the narrator is confronted with her husband's instruction of the rest cure for her ailment, she responds with 'But what is one to do?'. The sarcastic quality of her words, as well as the mocking tone indicates that she believes his advice to be unhelpful. However, she is limited in doing what she wants without the influence of a man. Women of the time were expected to be obedient, and the narrator is forced to listen to her husband.

Another way Gilman uses diction is when she shows the declining health of the narrator. For instance, the narrator portrays the smudge in the wallpaper as going “Round and round and round--round and round and round”. The repetition of this word implies her mental descent into insanity. The word itself, “round,” indicates that she’s descending into a mental spiral, in which she can only think of one thing – the wallpaper. The repetition, in turn, insinuates that there is not escape, that it is infinite. The stigma against mental illnesses lead healthcare professionals of the time to impose many unhelpful treatments, and these often resulted in the deterioration of the patient's mental state rather than helping them recover. The narrator’s descent into madness is partly due to her lack of a “creative outlet”, as her husband forces her to give up all physical and mental activity. This in turn leads to her expressing herself in the only way she can, which just happens to be through the wallpaper. Her obsession with it is focused on by Gilman throughout the novel, who uses the wallpaper as a symbol of the narrator's mental state and her descent into madness. When the narrator first sees the wallpaper, she describes it as 'repellent, almost revolting; a smouldering unclean yellow,' which is characteristic of how she sees her domestic life.

This wallpaper represents her oppressive society, with its “sprawling flamboyant patterns” and “infuriating” color. How in it there is an abundance of contradictory and complicated rules to live by that seem illogical. The fact that her room includes a 'great heavy bed ' and that 'the floor is scratched and gouged and splintered, the plaster itself is dug out' is strangely reminiscent of a room in an asylum and foreshadows her degrading health, as well as serves as symbolism for the metaphorical chains and cells that keep women tied to men, and keep them trapped. The marred floor is seen as a result of women trying to escape the room, and she is disgusted at its color, which is 'repellent, almost revolting; a smouldering unclean yellow”. Initially, the narrator is appalled by the color and pattern of the wallpaper, and Gilman uses diction that conveys that feeling of revulsion. The disturbing ending to this story confirms to the narrator what we as readers already knew – the woman “creeping” all around was the narrator herself. It also enforces the story’s message that doctors’ oppressive treatment towards women inhibits their recovery.

In that last line, the narrator states that she had to “had to creep over her husband every time” she went around the room. The use of the word “creep” is reminiscent of how the narrator described the woman in the wallpaper, and now that she has finished “freeing” her, the narrator has a moment of self-identification between herself and the women in the wallpaper. Gilman wrote this story to criticize the practice of the rest cure, which usually hurts the women it’s supposed to help.

Synopsis

Gone with the Wind movie is both a romance and a meditation movie after some civil wars that affected South America. The movie starts by featuring Scarlett O`hara who lives in Tara in Georgia. Scarlett expresses her love towards Ashley Wikes and is willing to marry him. Ashley, however, refuses to marry her and Scarlet becomes annoyed and due to the disappointment agrees to be married to Charles Hamilton. The civil war begins in Georgia.Scarlett during this period tries to overcome the brutality of the people, and she emerges as a female heroine, and she survives the civil war. After the war, Scarlett rebuilds Tara after the Yankee invasion. She works hard and takes care of the helpless families. (Selznick, et al.1999)

Thesis

The thesis statements identified in the analysis of the movie is Transformation. The movie starts with a civil war in Georgia where the democratic regain more power in the community. The movie during this period shows the struggle of this person who lived in the way and their tradition. The war causes the breakdowns of many traditions and culture among them the power structures and the gender roles. After the way communities are now transformed, and they start living a modern life. (Selznick,et al.1999),

Anthropological concepts

The movie presents three main anthropological concepts. Assimilation, marriage, and modernization. The first anthropological concept is assimilation. The war in Georgia led to some political and cultural breakdown of the people.Peoples culture were absorbed by other culture leading to new cultures in the country. The other anthropological concept in the movie is marriage.The movie starts with romance and marriage. Scarlett, for example, marries Charles Hamilton which shows a special relationship between the two. The last anthropological concepts in the movie are modernization. After the civil way, the southern way of life is brought to an end, and the slaves freed. The people's way of life is changed, and they start living a modern live building modern houses and adapting modern power structures.