Journey into Bhutan, the danger of a single story, explorers or boys messing about? Flashcards
Bhutan: What is the effect of the quote “Mountains all around, climbing up to peaks, rolling into valleys, again and again.”
- Analysis: The repetition of “mountains” and the continuous verbs “climbing” and “rolling” evoke the vastness and endlessness of Bhutan’s landscape. The use of repetition and active verbs gives the reader a sense of movement, almost as if the mountains themselves are alive, reinforcing the dynamic and living nature of the terrain.
- Effect on the reader: The reader is immersed in the awe-inspiring beauty and scale of Bhutan’s natural world. It emphasizes the overwhelming, unforgiving beauty of the land, creating a sense of awe and connection to the environment.
Bhutan: What is the effect of the quote “From my simple, pine-paneled room at the Druk Sherig hotel, I watch mountains rise to meet the moon.”
- Analysis: The contrast between the simplicity of the “pine-paneled room” and the grandeur of the mountains suggests the humble yet profound connection between nature and the built environment. The metaphor “mountains rise to meet the moon” evokes both beauty and vastness, underscoring the serenity and immensity of Bhutan’s landscape.
- Effect on the reader: The reader is drawn into a peaceful and reflective moment where the simplicity of human life contrasts with the beauty of the natural world, evoking feelings of humility and awe.
Bhutan: What is the effect of the quote “Thimphu altitude is about half of that but even here, the winter air is thin and dry and very cold.”
- Analysis: The tricolon of “thin,” “dry,” and “very cold” highlights the harshness and inhospitable nature of the environment. The repetition of monosyllabic words emphasizes the barren and unforgiving atmosphere of the city, making the reader imagine the discomfort of living in such conditions.
- Effect on the reader: The reader gains a clear sense of the difficulty of life in Bhutan, where nature itself is an imposing force, and they are made to feel the severity of the landscape in a more tangible way.
Bhutan: What is the effect of the quote “I share breakfast of instant coffee, powdered milk, plasticky white bread and flavorless red jam in the hotel with two other Canadians.”
Analysis: The contrast between the artificial, processed food and the natural, untouched landscape outside reflects the clash between Western consumerism and Bhutan’s simple, traditional way of life. The use of “plasticky” and “flavorless” conveys a sense of emptiness and artificiality within the hotel’s offerings.
Effect on the reader: The reader might feel the contrast between the commercialized comforts of the West and the more meaningful, natural existence that is present outside, sparking thoughts about consumerism and materialism.
Bhutan: What is the effect of the quote “The buildings all have the same pitched roof, trefoil windows and heavy beams painted with lotus flowers.”
Analysis: The uniformity of architecture reflects cultural cohesion, while the detailed imagery of “lotus flowers” and “heavy beams” suggests a deep connection to spiritual and aesthetic traditions. The attention to decorative details elevates the buildings beyond functionality to symbols of cultural identity.
Effect: Invites the reader to admire the rich heritage and artistry of Bhutan’s society.
Bhutan: What is the effect of the quote “Onions, rice, milk powder, dried fish, plastic buckets.”
The list of mundane goods emphasizes Bhutan’s limited resources and lack of luxury. These items, vital for survival, reflect the simplicity and resourcefulness of its people.
Effect: Helps the reader understand the practical yet challenging aspects of life in Bhutan.
Bhutan: What is the effect of the quote “The town itself looks very old, with cracked sidewalks and faded paintwork.”
Analysis: The adjectives “cracked” and “faded” depict a worn-out appearance, suggesting resilience against harsh conditions. However, the revelation that the town is only thirty years old highlights the unexpected fragility of modern Bhutanese infrastructure.
Effect: Challenges reader expectations, emphasizing Bhutan’s slow modernization.
Bhutan: What is the effect of the quote “Bhutan’s preservation of its independence was remarkable.”
Analysis: The use of “remarkable” conveys admiration for Bhutan’s ability to resist external influences and maintain sovereignty. The personification of Bhutan as “look[ing] after itself” reinforces its self-sufficiency.
Effect: Encourages the reader to respect Bhutan’s independence and cultural preservation.
Bhutan: What is the effect of the quote “Blue-suited policemen… using incomprehensible but graceful hand gestures.”
Analysis: The juxtaposition of “incomprehensible” and “graceful” reflects the outsider’s perspective, where Bhutanese customs seem mysterious yet beautiful. The adjective “blue-suited” adds a vivid detail that anchors the scene in reality.
Effect: Highlights the uniqueness and charm of Bhutan’s traditions, intriguing the reader.
Bhutan: What is the effect of the quote “Acid-washed jeans and Willie Nelson’s greatest hits.”
Analysis: The mention of outdated Western trends contrasts with Bhutan’s traditional way of life, emphasizing the limited but noticeable infiltration of global culture. The word “infiltration” suggests this influence may undermine Bhutanese identity.
Effect: Creates a tension between cultural preservation and modernization, provoking thought in the reader.
Bhutan: What is the effect of the chronological structure of arrival?
Analysis: The writer structures the passage to mirror her arrival and gradual exploration of Bhutan, starting with her impressions of the landscape and moving into her experiences in Thimphu. This step-by-step narrative reflects her growing connection to the country.
Effect: This structure helps the reader experience Bhutan alongside the writer, enhancing immersion and empathy.
What is the effect of the repetition of ‘mountains.’
Analysis: The repeated focus on the mountains in the opening paragraphs emphasizes their overwhelming presence in Bhutan. This repetition mimics the dominance of the landscape in shaping the country’s identity.
Effect: Reinforces the idea of Bhutan’s natural grandeur, making the reader feel dwarfed by the environment, much like the writer.
What is the effect of the progression from specific to general observations.
Analysis: The passage begins with detailed, personal experiences—such as the view from her hotel room—and moves to broader reflections on Bhutan’s history and cultural identity. This structural shift expands the scope of the piece.
Effect: Allows the reader to transition from the immediate and tangible to the abstract and historical, deepening their understanding of Bhutan.
What is the effect of the parenthesis in “(notoriously large and modern)”
Analysis: Parenthetical remarks like “(notoriously large and modern)” provide additional insights or contrasts without disrupting the main narrative. They add a conversational tone and highlight the writer’s reflections.
Effect: Creates a more personal connection with the reader, as these asides mimic thought processes and reveal the writer’s perspective.
What is the effect of the Final reflective tone?
Analysis: The passage ends on a reflective note, summarizing the writer’s admiration for Bhutan and its culture. This structural decision leaves the reader with a powerful sense of respect and wonder for the country.
Effect: Provides a satisfying conclusion that ties together the narrative, emphasizing Bhutan’s uniqueness and independence in a memorable way.
