Friday, March 13, 2009
Figurative Language
Shteyngart constantly uses figurative language in Absurdistan. One prominent type of figurative language that is repeated throughout the book is imagery. Shteyngart writes with descriptive words and makes odd comparisons that create a good sense of imagery. Unfortunately, Shteyngart uses imagery in almost every event in the book, which seems to be unnecessary at times. One particular instance where Shteyngart uses imagery is at the beginning of chapter 11, when Lyuba invites Misha over for "tea". The lamb's tongue sandwich is described as, "very tasty and juicy, with extra horseradish and spicy mustard and garnished with a dollop of gooseberry preserve. She (Lyuba) even prepared it in the American manner for me, with two pieces of bread instead of one." This excerpt from Absurdistan describes the sandwich so that the reader can get a visual conception of what the sandwich looks like, and even what the sandwich may taste like. Although not really relevant to the plot, this example of Shteyngart's use of imagery proves how descriptive and appealing to the senses the imagery is in Absurdistan.
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Hmm... I didn't really consider Imagery a component of figurative language, but if you do consider it, yes there is a LOT. (shudder) bad memories (vomits).
ReplyDeleteIsn't that more literal than figurative. Like the sandwich was literally covered in mustard and goosberry preserve. Also describing the way that the sandwich only has one piece if bread is also literal not figurative. I think it is good, that the book shows you how the sandwich tried to be "American" instead of telling us that Lyuba tried to make the sandwich American style.
ReplyDeleteYes, I would agree that Shteyngart makes good use of imagery. However, I would also agree with Charlie that the imagery is literal. I think that Shteyngart uses imagery to characterize Misha. Misa's mind seems childish and A.D.D. as he constantly describes everything around him.
ReplyDeletewhile i do agree that the author does use a lot of imagery, i never found myself being bogged down by it. In fact, i appreciated it because it took me to a place unlike any i can relate to. Also some descriptions we comedic and lightened the tone
ReplyDeleteI agree with the previous posts that the language is more literal then figurative. The use of figurative language illustrates the excess of Misha's life.
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