Narrative Techniques
What is Imagery?
Imagery is used to create vivid sensory experiences and convey deeper meanings.
Give an evidence to show imagery
Contrasting Environments: In the lines "Uncle Leroy always made fun of my little plot. He a always called me the ''Minister of Agriculture'',and said he was saving up to buy me a combine harvester for my birthday." and "But i looked around the room and was not sure that i wanted to unpack anything"
Explain “I wasn’t feeling too joyful.” Page 1
This line shows that the story is told from Laetitia’s point of view, using words like “I” so we see her thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences directly.
scenes that move back in time from the main narrative’s present to reveal past events that shaped characters or circumstances.
Flashbacks
What is Symbolism
Objects and people often represent abstract ideas beyond their literal meaning.
Give an evidence for Symbolism
The Falling Picture: In the line "When she had got the poster up firmily it kept slipping, and fell to the floor a few times, for the tape wouldn't hold she told us to study it, and then draw in our note books a Happy Family"
Explain “He kept turning his head to grin at me, and I thought that sooner or later he would run into somebody’s barrel.” Page 1
This line shows Laetitia’s private thoughts happening in her mind at that moment, not spoken out loud.
revealing character traits, attitudes and relationships via what characters say and how they say it (rather than just narration)
Characterization through dialog
What is Contrast or Juxtaposition
The novel frequently juxtaposes opposing elements to highlight tension and themes.
Give an evidence for Contrast or Juxtaposition
Rural vs. Urban Life: In the lines "I greeted the visitors and hurriedly got up to make myself scarce.But my father held me back.I had to shake the hand of each of his guest..."
Explain “I like a little reading now and then… although I wasn’t so bright as you.” Page 1
This dialogue reveals what the character thinks about themself, showing insecurity or modesty.
narrative technique that represents a character’s ongoing flow of thoughts, feelings, impressions — often fragmented, associative, and immediate
Stream of consciousness
What is Social Commentary?
The novel functions as a commentary on the socio-political landscape of the post-colonial Caribbean.
Give an evidence to show Social Comentary
Class and Education: In the line "I would be the first one ever,the first one in the family to go to secondary school"
Explain “He would press the money into my hand and say: ‘Go buy sno-cone.’” Page 5
This line shows a memory from Laetitia’s past, not something happening in the present moment.
inclusion of local speech patterns, Creole elements, idioms, and nonstandard grammar in dialogue and occasional narration.
Use of dialect / Creole language
Bildungsroman
Give an evidence to show Coming of Age Structure
Journey and Transformation: In the line "I was crossing streets, turning corners, weaving my way through traffic .The belly pain was much worse, and now my insides seemed to turned to have liquid"
Explain “So you like plenty books, eh?” Page 1
The line includes Caribbean-style speech (“plenty books, eh?”), showing how real people in her culture speak.
the story is told by a character using “I” (subjective, limited perspective)
First-person narration