Analysis Flashcards
“Machete - wielding thugs”
Suggests that the people participating in the genocide are violent criminals, we know this as “thugs” has connotations of aggressive and savage people. We also know “machete” has connotations of fierce and death.
“Dangled their grenades through the open windows of our vehicles”
Suggests that the men involved in the genocide do not care what they did to others and they are intimidating them. “Dangled” has connotations of carelessness.
“Demented theme parks”
Suggests that the other journalists think that the genocide was full of screaming and terror, we know this as “demented” has connotations of hectic and loud.
“Tired cliches about ancient tribal hatreds”
Suggests that there were many old stories and loathings. Keane says that people use this as an excuse to not get involved. “Tired” has connotations of worn out this makes us think that people have exaggerated and stretched the truths of these old stories.
“I have had people call me a vulture”
Suggests that the writer is being seen as a predator because he tries to take photos of those who are weak and vulnerable. “Vulture” has connotations of exploiting others and dangerous.
“Spiritually damaging place”
Suggests that Rwanda during this time was a distressing place to work and was testing people of their religion, we know this as “damaging” has connotations of destroying.
“Rwanda has taught me to value life in a way I never did before”
Suggests that Keane is reflecting on his horrific experiences he encountered in Rwanda as his strong views become stronger, we know this as “value” has connotations of appreciation and gratitude which shows he’s thankful for his life.
“If we ignore evil we become authors of a guilty silence”
Suggests that Keane thinks we need to do something about the genocide instead of watch people kill others which he thinks makes us guilty, we know this as “authors of guilty silence” makes the reader think that they are in the wrong and that we could’ve stopped the genocide.
