Week 6 Post A

Definitions

For this week, I came across many words that I didn't know.
Conspicuous (141)-attracting special attention, as by outstanding qualities or eccentricities
Anew (144)-over again; again; once more
indomitable (144)-that cannot be subdued or overcome, as persons, will, or courage; unconquerable
Circuitous (146)-roundabout; not direct
Cretinous (153)-a person suffering from cretinism.

Figurative Language

"Tariq napped beneath a tree on the banks of a gurgling stream"(137). The gurgling stream is an example of personification. The human trait of gurgling gives the stream a characteristic that all readers can picture in their head.

"The children tearing after each other around the house"(149). I thought that this quote was unique because just one word can give the reader an idea of what the party was like. The word tearing, although not used for its literal meaning, implies a sense of chaos and screaming from the children even though the author never directly states it.

"The city held its breath"(155). This is describing right after the first bombings take place in Kabul. This could be a type of personification but most of all, it gives a "big picture" to the reader so they can keep track of what is happening.

Quote

"The Mujahideen, armed to the teeth but now lacking a common enemy, had found the enemy in each other"(155) This goes along with my topic for my research paper as gun control. It is clear that when any group of people have a stockpile of guns, their most likely going to use them in one way or another. Besides my paper, this creates the main conflict in the story and Laila's life seems to be dictated by the war that is happening around her, as her life is slowly spinning out of control.

Theme

Laila finds a new relationship with a man named Tariq and in times of the chaos and violence that takes place all around them, their love is the one constant that they can count on.