Beyond The Sky And Earth

Question 1

-“Mountains all around”
- “Indian subcontinent colliding into Asia thirty or forty years ago”
- “It is my first night in Thimphu”

Answer 1

Awe struck by landscapes
Vastness
In media res

- “Mountains all around”
	○ In media res  -  emphasises her cognitive estrangement and vast awe 
- “Indian subcontinent colliding into Asia thirty or forty years ago”
	○ Hyperbole - heightens sense of drama, attempt to come to terms with vastness 
- “It is my first night in Thimphu” Present tense - immerses reader into her journey and creates a sense of immediacy

Question 2

• “Instant coffee… flavourless red jam” L19-20
  
  • “Plasticky and flavourless”
  • “Teenagers in acid washed jeans… Rambo poster in a bar” L38-40

Answer 2

Underwhelmed
Similarity of life
To western world

- “Instant coffee… flavourless red jam” L19-20
	○ Asyndetic listing - normalises her experience is Bhutan - more comfortable 
- “Plasticky and flavourless”
	○ Negative adjectives- emphasise her dissatisfaction at her food
- “Teenagers in acid washed jeans… Rambo poster in a bar” L38-40 Surprise at the western cultural infliction

Question 3

• “Painted with lotus flowers, jewels and clouds” L34
  
  • “They have beautiful aristocratic faces, with dark, almond-shaped eyes” L56-57
  • “Dignity, unselfconsciousness, good humour and grace”

Answer 3

Increasingly appreciative
Shift in tone
Poetic almost magical

- “Painted with lotus flowers, jewels and clouds” L34
	○ Visual imagery, tri-colon - increasing realisation of rare beauty in the city 
- “They have beautiful aristocratic faces, with dark, almond-shaped eyes” L56-57
	○ Emotive language - displays writers captivation with the culture and its people 
- “Dignity, unselfconsciousness, good humour and grace” Listing - underscores writers fascination and respect for the people of Bhutan

Question 4

• “Considering the consolidation of … preservation of it independence was remarkable”
  
  • “Bhutan is thought to be derived from… ‘end of Tibet’”
  • “Districts within Bhutan… of Luxuriant fruits”

Answer 4

Deep respect
More reflective perspective

- “Considering the consolidation of … preservation of it independence was remarkable”
	○ Metaphor - writers thankfulness that Bhutan still exists as an independent nation 
- “Bhutan is thought to be derived from… ‘end of Tibet’”
	○ Factually informative - continued sense of authenticity and interest to the age and dignity of Bhutan 
- “Districts within Bhutan… of Luxuriant fruits” Listing with metaphorical names - hyperbolises beauty and mystique of Bhutan - highlights writers wonder and awe -> respect