Analysis Of Ziba Came On A Boat

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Imagine, if only for a moment ‘being on an old soggy fishing boat that creaked and moaned as it rose and fell, rose and fell, across the endless sea...’ Traveling from her war-torn homeland in search of safety, and freedom, with only her mother’s comfort, such a long and anxious journey was a reality for young Ziba. The picture book Ziba Came on a Boat is an emotional and touching story, based on fictional events, and personal experiences, which evoke incredible empathy towards Afghan refugees. The author, Liz Lofthouse, makes tribute to those who have inspired the book, by writing “For our Afghan friends, Who have given us an insight into a different life, And who inspire us with their courage and determination. The picture book follows …show more content…

The emotive language used throughout her memories, show direct contrast to her present situation, as well as her reasons for leaving home. The use of personification, in text such as ‘ the sea roared like an angry beast’, provide emphasis of emotive language, used in describing the estrangement felt. The language is so eloquent, conjuring such engagingly vivid images, of Ziba’s emotions, particularly as she feels the ups and downs of the unforgiving ocean. Through figurative and evaluative language, Ziba is able to depict her past and present feelings and memories. The strong connection between sensory experiences and memory is sophisticated and crisp, making the text straightforward and resonant. The author uses simile’s such as, ‘thoughts of home washed over Ziba like the surge of sea washing over the deck’, linking past and present, creating feelings of loneliness, whilst reflecting on her once peaceful home. The effective use of noun groups - laughter of children, cool mountain air, rich spices of the evening meal - alongside side a number of sensory verbs - thought, felt and smelled - assist and connect the reader to Ziba’s thoughts. Furthermore, the use of repetition in the first and last page of the text, places emphasis on the unstable state of their emotions, the uncertainty of what’s to

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