House Lights, Week 3, Post A

VOCAB

Bunglingly (70) to perform clumsily

Shibboleth (80) a slogan

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

“It leaves room to consider that they wanted me to learn things without having to assume responsibility for telling me” (70). This is an example of irony because Beatrice uses the same action that she hates against her parents. She kept her communication with her grandmother secret, until her parents started to wonder where she was going.

“In my mind I’d unshackled her from myth, freed her to ride on top, hair hanging loose, flouting the social compact, her bare back rounding and bucking up under the dark eaves” (76). This is an example of imagery, because it appeals to the sense of sight. The description of Beatrice’s character allows the reader to imagine a real person because of these minute details.

“I could still feel his handshake, smooth and firm as sandalwood” (102). This is a simile, because it directly compares his handshake to the sandalwood. Also, this is imagery because the reader can imagine exactly how his handshake felt.


QUOTE

“Speak what we feel, not we ought to say” (69). This quote was said by Beatrice’s grandmother, but it was originally from Lear. This is totally relevant in today’s world, because people are afraid their peers will shun them if they say what they truly feel. A person should feel safe and secure when they express their feelings. Also, people shouldn’t say what they are told to, for the reason of “just because”, if they do not believe in it.

THEME

A theme in this novel is to find an activity you truly enjoy, because it can keep you out bad situations and help you heal. Beatrice finds her escape in the theatre and tries to immerse herself in it in every way possible. This escape allows her to heal easier from the death of a close friend, Silke.