A Raisin In The Sun Figurative Language

This passage contains a wide array of literary devices, ranging from syntax to figurative language. These devices all help to describe the situation Jim is in, in this part of the book. He stayed the night at the Cutter’s house instead of Ántonia, which resulted in him being injured and humiliated. From the figurative language and imagery at the start of the passage, such as, “My lip was cut and stood out like a snout. My nose looked like a big blue plum” (161), the sheer damage is shown to its full extent. This connects to the larger motif of the past or childhood that backdrops the entire novel, as it is this kind of very drastic experience that impacts someone. Such an event serves an important role in the development of an adolescent, and the repercussions of this event may be elaborated on later in the book.

The second section of the novel contains more diction and syntax which help to show the rift in Ántonia and Jim’s relationship. The way at which Jim narrates in short, concise, and repetitive sentences, helps to put emphasis on certain aspects of the passage. For example he says, “I felt that I never wanted to see her again. I hated her almost

As remarked by Jim, “If the story once got abroad, I would never hear the last of it” (162). Understanding the setting of a novel is important, since it is the environment that can shape and impact the characters of a novel. In this case, this shows the vast difference living in a town is than living in a country, as Jim did early on in his life. In the country, everything was spaced out, therefore rumors and stories such as this are harder to spread. However, in Black Hawk, since things are closer together, Jim must be more aware and vigilant of his surroundings. Such a shift in setting may serve to mold Jim into a different person than Ántonia, as she is more connected with the country