Quote techniques

Question 1

I was lost. Slowly found myself.. hunching up into a protective ball’

Answer 1

visual imagery
the visual imagery demonstrates that Saroo feels afraid and alone

Question 1

there was danger everywhere and in everyone’

Answer 1

hyperbole
emphasises that there is nowhere safe for Saroo to go and no one he can trust.

Question 2

There were robbers and people who took children and even killers

Answer 2

the polysyndeton
highlights the vast extent of threats to Saroo.

Question 3

they could only offer me a tiny amount, but it made all the difference because of their willingness to feed a stranger.’

Answer 3

The conjunction ‘but’
The fact that Saroo was helped by strangers who had very little of their own, reflects the selflessness of humanity. The conjunction ‘but’ signifies their personal sacrifice.

Question 4

there was something comforting about the little lights winking in the gathering dark.

Answer 4

Through personifying the ‘little lights winking’, personification
Saroo captures the sheer beauty of the world around him, despite his difficult situation. This highlights his prevailing sense of hope.

Question 5

each failure to find my home chipped away at the certainty of my memories’

Answer 5

he metaphor
This displays Saroo’s feelings of being broken and hurt when he failed to find his home despite hours of searching.

Question 6

how many times would I wonder if all the landmarks aligned only to be left with tired, sore eyes and the realization that I was mistaken again?

Answer 6

rhetorical question
’ conveys Saroo’s disappointment when each search proves to be futile. The tactile imagery of ‘tired, sore eyes’ reveals that the search is also physically exhausting for Saroo.
tactile imagery

Question 7

a lot to lose’ and ‘so much to gain’

Answer 7

juxtaposition
conveys that Saroo’s search has both positive and negative sides to it.

Question 8

‘I reasoned that even if it took years, even decades, you could eventually sift completely through a haystack- the needle would have to show up if you persisted’

Answer 8

extended metaphor
Highlights that Saroo’s task is immensely difficult and painstaking. This also reflects his resilience. The fact that he doesn’t give up despite it being difficult.