A game of polo with a headless goat- Emma Levine Flashcards
Humour / Irony
“We waited for eternity on the brow of the hill.”
“The only danger was of falling off the donkey.”
Effect: Adds a light, playful tone despite the chaotic scene.
Engages the reader and shows the quirky, unpredictable nature of the event.
Metaphor
“Voices were raised, fists were out…”
“This was the Formula One without rules.”
Effect: Helps readers visualise the action vividly.
Comparing the race to Formula One highlights the intensity and danger.
Vivid Imagery
“…vehicles jostling to get in front of each other, horns tooting, bells ringing, and men shouting.”
Effect: Appeals to the senses — sound and movement especially.
Makes the scene feel chaotic, energetic, and alive.
First-person Narrative
“I asked the lads if we could join in.”
Effect: Makes the account feel personal and immersive.
Helps the reader feel like they’re right there with her, experiencing it all.
Juxtaposition
“…we were in the middle of a race with donkey carts being driven at full pelt…” vs. “The only danger was of falling off the donkey.”
Effect: The contrast between intensity and humour creates a unique tone — both thrilling and absurd.
Highlights the unpredictability of the situation.
Colloquial / Informal Language
“We couldn’t believe our luck.”
“Yaqoob and I clung to the car.”
Effect: Creates a relatable, down-to-earth voice.
Makes the story more engaging and conversational.
List / Cumulative Description
“Men standing on top of their cars and vans, hanging out of taxis and perched on lorries.”
Effect: Builds pace and excitement.
The piling up of images reflects the chaotic energy of the race.
Hyperbole
“We waited for eternity…”
Effect: Emphasises the anticipation and perhaps the ridiculousness of the situation.
Adds to the humorous tone.
Chronological Structure
The events are presented in the order they happened, from anticipation to the chaos of the race.
Effect: Gives the reader a clear timeline, and allows tension to build naturally.
Feels like we’re experiencing it moment by moment.
Build-Up of Anticipation
“We waited for eternity…”
“I was beginning to feel nervous…”
Effect: The slow start creates suspense — readers feel the same mix of boredom, nerves, and excitement as Levine.
Makes the sudden arrival of the race more dramatic.
Shift in Pacing
From slow (waiting) → fast and frantic (race begins) → slower again (reflection).
Effect: The pace mirrors the action — slow tension building, sudden adrenaline, and then a calmer ending.
Keeps the reader engaged and emotionally aligned with the narrator.
Climax: Peak of Action
“There was a cloud of fumes and dust…”
“Yaqoob drove at breakneck speed…”
Effect: The most intense, chaotic part is placed right in the middle.
All the previous build-up pays off in this dramatic, cinematic moment.
Use of Dialogue to Advance the Action
“Coming, coming!” shouted the voice.”
“I don’t even have my license yet!”
Effect: Brings realism and immediacy, moves the story forward.
Gives insight into the personalities involved (like Yaqoob) and makes the moment feel alive.
Reflective Ending / Contrast in Tone
“We returned to the hotel and the narrative took on a more sedate tone.”
Effect: Cools down the chaos with a moment of reflection and commentary.
The tone becomes more observational and thoughtful, which helps the piece feel complete.
Juxtaposition of Calm vs. Chaos
The only danger was of falling off the donkey” (said early) vs. total mayhem later on.
Effect: Creates irony and humour — what seemed like a simple, local event turns out to be wild and dangerous.
Circular Structure / Return to Commentary
Ends with Levine’s reflection on the “official sporting status” and attitudes of the locals.
Effect: Returns to the original purpose of the piece (exploring a cultural tradition), giving the piece a balanced conclusion.
