Passage to africa Flashcards
p1
The writer begins the passage with a general statement about the people he encounters in Somalia, but quickly narrows his focus to a specific person that he will never forget.
The use of the phrase “the one I will never forget” immediately hooks the reader, drawing them into the narrative.
The writer then employs the use of numbers, stating “a thousand” to convey the widespread suffering he has witnessed, emphasizing the magnitude of the situation.
The writer uses a tricolon of negative adjectives - “lean, scared and betrayed” - to emphasize his realization of the extent of the people’s suffering.
This use of language creates a vivid image of the dire circumstances faced by the people in Somalia.
As the passage continues, the writer personalizes the account by naming some of the people he encounters, such as Amina and her daughters, which creates a connection between the writer and his subjects.
The writer’s description of Amina’s search for “wild, edible roots” draws attention to the lack of food, and the mention of the “dirt floor of their hut” highlights the poverty of the family.
The writer supplies Amina’s daughters’ names and ages, further emphasizing the shocking fact that young children are affected by the famine.
The brevity and bluntness of the sentence “Habiba had died” conveys the commonplace nature of death in these circumstances, suggesting a lack of sensitivity and the harsh reality of life in Somalia.
p2
The writer vividly describes the horror and distaste he feels through sensory language, referencing the sense of smell with “decaying flesh” and “putrid air,” and the sense of touch with “clammy palm” and vomit.
The writer is brutally honest about his initial reactions, including feelings of “revulsion” towards the people he sees, which he admits breaks a taboo.
He also describes the physical suffering of the people in powerful detail, using phrases such as “festering wound,” “struggling breath,” and “shrivelled body” to convey the degeneration of the human body in the face of famine.
However, the writer also reveals a sense of pity for the people, as he observes how they “aspire to a dignity that is almost impossible to achieve,” showing a shift in his perspective.
The encounter with a man who smiles at the writer causes him to question his relationship with his subjects and reflect on the contrast between the rich and poor worlds.
The writer uses rhetorical questions such as “how could it be?” and “what was it about that smile?” to convey his intrigue and unsettled reaction to the smiling man.
The use of sentence structuring with “Normally” and “accustomed” at the start of clauses adds weight to the unique nature of the writer’s reaction.
The writer’s connection with the man prompts him to question what he should be feeling in comparison to the weakened man’s stance, showcasing his internal conflict and changing perspective.
p3
In the penultimate paragraph, the writer resolves to report the suffering in Gufgaduud with “all the power and purpose” he can muster, using alliteration to lend force to his resolve.
In the final paragraph, the writer expresses regret at not knowing the man’s name, and describes the encounter as a “seminal moment.”
The use of direct address to the “nameless friend” conveys a sense of closeness, and the phrase “I owe you one” expresses gratitude and recognition of the influence the man had over the writer.
By the end of the passage, the writer’s attitude towards those he observes in Somalia has undergone a significant change, and he has learned humility through his experiences.
The careful use of language and structure throughout the passage effectively conveys the writer’s reactions to the people he encounters in Somalia, showcasing his evolving perspective and emotional journey.
