Word Choice Quotations

Question 1

Describe how the writer uses word choice in the phrase “dwarf” to suggest his disgusting appearance.

Answer 1

In this context, has derogatory or insulting connotations (“the dwarf” dehumanises him)
demeans the beggar and suggests he is disgusting.

Question 2

Describe how the writer uses word choice in the phrase “hands on backwards” to further emphasise the physical ugliness of the beggar

Answer 2

Connotations of deformity and awkwardness, showing how his disabilities make everyday life harder for him.
This emphasises the physical ugliness of the dwarf and sets the reader up for the way the priests and tourists ignore him.

Question 3

Describe how the writer uses word choice in the phrase “sat slumped” to suggest the beggar’s helplessness

Answer 3

Alliteration and onomatopoeia (“slumped”) used to emphasise the limp posture and dishevelled appearance of the beggar, suggesting he is helpless due to his terrible deformities.

‘Alliteration’, use of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.

‘Onomatopoeia’, the formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named.

Question 4

Describe how the writer uses word choice in the phrase “tiny twisted legs” to suggest that those around him may see him as internally corrupt.

Answer 4

Alliteration emphasises that the beggar’s body is limp and deformed and perhaps suggests that those around him view him as internally corrupt based on his appearance.

‘Alliteration’, use of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.

Question 5

Describe how the writer uses word choice in the phrase “yet” to question the beggar’s worth of living.

Answer 5

Contributes to the mockingly/darkly humorous tone.
Comments darkly on whether the beggar, in his misfortune, would be better off dead.

‘Tone’, the feeling conveyed by the way someone speaks.