Figurative Language

     Reading this novel I’ve come across a lot of figurative language, and here are just a few I found throughout the novel, note that I am not entirely done reading this book.

Onomatopoeia:

 “The mewling of their sheep, the baaing of their goats, the jingle of bells around their camels’ neck.” (28)

Including this these few lines of information enhance the overall setting, it helps the reader with visuals they make up in their head by including sounds and noises to try and make the reader feel like they are almost a side character in the story.

Personification:

“Then I glanced up and saw a pair of kites, red with long blue tails, soaring in the sky. They danced high above the trees on the west end of the park…” (1)

Telling us that the kites are like people brings a deeper meaning to the reader and shows how meaningful and special kite running is to Amir and his community.

Metaphor:

“A sign above his desk read, LIFE IS A TRAIN. GET ON BOARD.” (195)

In this novel there is a lot of lies, cheats, segregation, and deaths. Adding this quote in this novel reminds Amir that his like will have a lot of ups and downs, but all you can do is get on and try to enjoy the ride. Amir goes through a lot, but that’s just how life is and every person around the world has a problem or two.

“Children aren’t colouring books. You don’t get to fill them with your favorite colour.” (21)

This quote was said by Rahim Khan, who was a friend of Baba. Baba was having troubles with Amir and trying to figure out why he is athletic like Hassan and why he prefers to read and write. Baba wants Amir to be strong and brave but a lot of the time Amir would cry… every parent has troubles with their kid once in a while and not everyone can live to certain expectations, so this quote just reminds us that we have to go with the flow and appreciate what we are given and not to always sulk on what is not given.