13th March 2018

~~Disaster- chapter 5~~

1~ Pages 71-73. Explain how language and writing style techniques were used to draw the reader into Joe’s experiences in this section of the descent. You may wish to comment on: imagery, emotive language, figurative language (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole), dialogue, syntax (sentence structures) and/or narrative voice.

Language and writing techniques are used in this chapter to put the reader in the climbers position. In the climactic part of the book, these techniques make us feel as though we are in the situation experiencing the same moment. Imagery is used as a collection of descriptions to create a picture in our head of the scene. The text explains where Joe is, in contrast to the cliff edge. For example when Joe falls it explains that he hit the slope at the base of the cliff. This example of imagery creates an image in our head of the mountain side and where the fall takes place. I felt a shattering blow in my knee, felt bones splitting and screamed. This sentence makes us imagine how Joe felt at the time of his fall, we create a picture of the splitting bone, this makes the reader feel glad that they are not in the same position as Joe in this moment. Another writing technique used is emotive language, emotive language is the type of text used to create some kind of emotion in the reader’s mind. The sudden jerk turned me outwards and instantly I was falling, 

Imagery: a collection of descriptions that create a picture/image in the reader’s minds. The descriptions can be a combination of adjectives (describing words) or figurative language, like simile, metaphor, personification etc. The purpose of imagery is to create a vivid mental picture for the reader (sights, sounds, colours, thoughts, feelings etc.)

2. Joe interviewed Simon about his experiences in sections of their journey on Siula Grande and recounted what he believed to be Simon’s perspective of these experiences. Simon said that these recounts were accurate to his thoughts and feelings.

What is the purpose of including Simon’s narration when Joe shatters his knee-joint? Identify specific quotations that reveal important information about Simon and Joe’s changing relationship, through Simon’s narration.

It is important to include both perspectives of the story to understand the thoughts and feelings of both Simon and Joe at the time of the accident. Each viewpoint has a different side of the story. In most novels the author includes only one perspective of a story, this enforces a kind of path for the reader to follow, only one story to focus on, however, in Touching The Void the author has included both sides of the story for the reader to experience what both climbers are feeling in this point of time. They understand that Joe is the main focus in this part of the text as he is the one in the life threatening position. Including Simon’s point of view also, has the reader experiencing how Simon feels, they then feel like they are having to make the decision whether to risk your own life to save Joe’s or leave Joe and save yourself. Emotive language helps the reader understand the way the climbers are feeling.

How do some of these details (from Simon’s narration) foreshadow what will happen later in the text? What do you anticipate Simon will do in these difficult circumstances?

 

Join the conversation! 1 Comment

  1. Phoebe, you have shown a sound understanding of the effect of language techniques in this section of the text. Continue to specifically explain the vocabulary used in the techniques. I.e. How specific emotive words create an atmosphere or an understanding of Joe’s thoughts and feelings.
    – Also, continue to clarify your points: “this sentence makes us imagine how Joe felt at the time of his fall.” How did he feel?

    I appreciate your personal involvement in the lines: “Including Simon’s point of view also, has the reader experiencing how Simon feels, they then feel like they are having to make the decision whether to risk your own life to save Joe’s or leave Joe and save yourself.” Support these great ideas with quotations from the text.

    Reply

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Writing