A Game of Polo

Question 1

“we waited for an eternity”

Answer 1

Hyperbole and metaphor, instantly highlights the suspense felt by the writer whilst she is waiting for the “Wacky Races” to start showing from the start that the event is exciting to all involved

Question 2

“Cloud of fumes and dust created by some fifty vehicles roaring”

Answer 2

Visual Imagery, conveys a powerful vivid impression of the approaching race and highlights the chaotic and exciting nature, foreshadowing the excitement and chaotic race that is about to take place.

Question 3

“This was Formula one without rules, city centre rush hour gone anarchic”

Answer 3

Metaphor and Juxtaposition, highlights the difference in cultures between what Levine is used to and what she is now being faced with. The glamour of “formula one” and the order of “city centre rush hour” is non existent as the writer is faced with a fast paced and dangerous race like nothing she has seen before, highlighting both culture difference and the excitement of the race.

Question 4

Short sentences

Answer 4

Short sentences at the end of the action such as “the race was over” slows down the reader creating a sense of relief to highlight the writers relief to have escaped the race uninjured.

Question 5

Complex sentences with tricolons

Answer 5

Complex sentences with tricolons at the climax of the action of the piece focus on the sound of the race, verbs such as “cheered and shouted” illustrate the excitement of the people and the frantic atmosphere of the race. Large amounts of commas within these sentences speed up the reader making the race feel more energetic and highlight the speed of the race and the atmosphere she is surrounded with.

Question 6

“inexperienced, underage driver”

Answer 6

The ending has a humorous tone to it, highlighted by the premodification of “inexperienced, underage driver” which emphasises the unknown risk that was present throughout the passage. It once again highlights the differences in culture between the writer and the driver and uses humour to dissipate the tension that can be seen throughout the piece.

Question 7

Other Key Quotes

Answer 7

“and then the trouble began” (short sentence, contrast last sentence relief, expects respite but none given)

“horn tooting, bells ringing, and the special rattles” (tricolon, auditory, frantic, loud atmosphere)

“(no lane discipline here)” (parenthesis, lawlessness, danger, culture difference)

“coming, coming” (epizeuxis, builds tension)