Essay and feedback

In the extract, the writer uses anaphora to describe Mabel's life in Alaska. The anaphora of ‘no’ shows how everything she imagined Alaska to to be like was incorrect. It could also mirror her disappointment and perhaps her regret for moving to Alaska in the first place. Also, the use of domestic imagery ‘children playfully hollering’ also reflects her longing for a homely settings which sharply contrasts with the lifeless atmosphere she is exposed to. Additionally, the writer uses the paradox ‘air filled with promise but no sound' to show her delusion and inability to accept her new life. The use of the noun ‘promise’ suggests something imminent and active which is usually associated with sound. However, the underlying truth is that promise is an abstract, intangible thing and putting it next to ‘no sound’ creates a striking contrast. This creates a feeling of longing and anticipation. Lastly, the writer uses a simile to finally show how miserable Mabel’s life in Alaska is. The quote 'broom bristles scritched like some sharp-toothed shrew nibbling at her heart has language devices such as assonance, onomatopoeia and sibilance. The assonance creates a harsh tone, obviously showing Mabel’s distaste for Alaska. The onomatopoeia creates an impression of the cold attacking her which again, contrasts with the warmth she was expecting. Lastly, the sibilance almost mimics the sound of the Shrew, making her suffering seem more profound and demonises Alaska. These techniques show how she is at constant threat of danger and also presents Alaska as a hostile, unwelcoming place.