Hotel room- Stanza 1 Flashcards
“watched”
. Connotations of observes, disconnected and distant
. This suggests that the speaker is disconnected and distant from the events occurring in the city as he hides away in the safety of his hotel room. It highlights how he does not participate in any actions but rather passively observes the events that he witnesses at a shielded distance.
“helicopter skirting like a damaged insect”
. Simile
. The helicopter is being compared to a buzzing broken insect
. Just as a insect is annoying and erratic so too is the helicopter loud, weak and easily broken
. This is effective as it suggests that the helicopter is an inferior man-made duplication of nature which is largely insignificant amongst the grand city buildings. It highlights how we should be unimpressed by the small, fragile helicopter. It also suggests that modern society is pathetic and broken due to the unyielding pursuit of gaining technological and material wealth, which therefore causes the reader to begin to question the true importance of technological achievements.
“Empire state building, that jumbo size dentist’s drill”
. Metaphor
. The empire state building is being compared to a large and piercing dentist’s drill
. Just as a dentist drill is a device of torture and pain which evokes fear, intimidation and alarm within the speaker so too is the empire state building a menacing and expansive structure which looks down at those passing by, and causing terror
. This is effective as it suggests that the empire state building is a monstrous building which is uncomfortable to look at as it symbolises mankind’s ambitions for success and power, whilst simultaneously mistreating those suffering and leaving them behind in pursuit of material gain. It also highlights that a building of such a grand size is ultimately useless and impractical, which further emphasises the disdain and criticism towards modern American society.
“insect…jumbo size”
. Contrast
“Empire state building…PanAm skyscraper”
.
“But”
. Connotations of
“Midnight has come in from foreign places”
. Personification
“uncivilised”
.Word choice
.Connotations of vulgar, feral and loss of normality
. This suggests that as the night descends there is an emergence of unacceptable behaviors and there is a widespread loss of normality. This highlights the arrival of this ‘other’ presence which causes a dark protective layer to envelop the city, therefore allowing for people to participate in vulgar and feral behaviors which wouldn’t be possible or acceptable in the daylight.
“darkness”
. Connotations of
“shot at”
. Connotations of
“darkness…lit windows”
. Contrast
“ups and crosses”
. Metaphor
. The windows of the tower blocks are being compared to a crossword puzzle
. Just as a crossword puzzle is of an irregular shape that needs to be figured out so too is humanity a puzzle which is full of mysteries which are unsolved
. This is effective as it makes clear that there is a universal lack of clarity surrounding humanity and man kind. It also incorporates religious symbolism as the windows forming a cross shape is a hopeful symbol of the cross which Jesus was crucified on. It serves a symbol of protection amongst the darkness and chaos of the city where the continual battles between good versus evil violently rage. It is a shield of protection amongst the continual ongoing battle of religious belief and the pull of humanity’s selfish desires
