The Explorers Daughter - Kari Herbet Flashcards
Imagery - language
Herbert uses vivid imagery to describe the landscape and narwhals.
“The narwhal…diving, showing a tail as they disappeared.”
“Spectral play of colour”
These create a visual picture for the reader, emphasising the beauty and mystique of the Arctic and its creatures.
Alliteration - language
“Climatic conditions,” “butter-gold streak of the sun”
Alliteration draws attention to particular descriptions, adding rhythm and enhancing the poetic quality of the prose.
Contrast/Juxtaposition - language
“It was like watching a vast, waterborne game, but no game at all.”
The contrast between “game” and “no game” highlights the tension between the beauty of nature and the seriousness of survival.
Metaphor- language
“Clustered like mosaic”
This metaphor gives a sense of pattern and beauty, making the narwhals seem like part of a larger, intricate design.
Emotive language - language
“Hunting is still an absolute necessity in Thule.”
Phrases like this evoke empathy for the Inuit people, helping the reader understand the practical reasons behind the hunt.
First person narrative - language
Herbert occasionally slips into a more personal tone:
“I urged the man on in my head.”
This draws the reader into her personal conflict and viewpoint, making the narrative more engaging and intimate.
Balanced argument/ persuasive techniques - language
The writer explores both sides of the narwhal hunt debate:
Presents ethical concerns about hunting animals.
Then explains how the Inuit depend on narwhals for survival, including using every part of the animal.
Scientific and factual language - language
“Narwhal…are essential to the survival of the hunters…”
The use of factual information gives authority and credibility to her perspective.
Chronological Structure / Narrative Flow- structure
The text begins with descriptive, observational writing about the Arctic landscape and narwhals, then shifts into a more analytical, argumentative tone.
This mimics Herbert’s personal journey — from watching the hunt unfold to reflecting on its meaning.
Tension and Build-up- structure
The structure builds suspense as she describes the approach of the narwhals and the hunters waiting.
“The narwhal appeared… slowly, methodically passing each other by.”
This creates a sense of anticipation — will the hunt succeed or fail?
Shifts in Tone and Perspective- structure
Beginning: Peaceful, descriptive, reflective.
Middle: Tense, dramatic (as the hunt is described).
End: Analytical and philosophical, weighing the ethics of hunting.
This mirrors her emotional conflict — admiration for the narwhals, but also understanding of the Inuit way of life.
Balanced Argument - Structure
Herbert presents two sides:
The beauty and intelligence of narwhals.
The necessity of hunting for Inuit survival.
This structural balance allows the reader to understand the complexity of the issue
Cyclical Nature / Return to Reflection- structure
The text ends by returning to a reflective, thoughtful tone, echoing the personal beginning but with deeper insight.
This structure leaves the reader with the same moral ambiguity that Herbert feels.
