Question 2
Title: Depicting Emotional Pain in "Onion Tears" by Shubnum Khan
Shubnum Khan's novel "Onion Tears" explores the theme of emotional pain through the
intergenerational relationship of Indian women in South Africa. This essay critically analyses
an extract from the novel, focusing on the literary features used to depict emotional pain. By
examining the plot, the character's perspective and thought processes, the text's contrastive
elements, and the representation of emotional pain, we can gain insight into the character's
experiences and the author's depiction of this theme.
Plot and Development of the Theme:
In the extract, the protagonist, Summaya, waits impatiently at a bank. The act of waiting
triggers her thoughts, which shift from whimsical musings to painful realities she tries to push
aside. The events in the extract, such as Summaya's contemplation of the bank manager's
reaction or the sweeping cleaner, serve as catalysts for her introspection. Through these
events, the author develops the theme of emotional pain by revealing the character's internal
struggles and her attempts to cope with distressing thoughts.
Character Perspective and Thought Processes:
The text is presented from Summaya's perspective, allowing readers to witness her
experiences of emotional pain firsthand. We learn that she dislikes having time to think, as it
often leads to dwelling on painful memories. This insight into Summaya's thought processes
demonstrates how emotional pain intertwines with other experiences and emotions. The
author portrays Summaya's attempts to sweep her distressing thoughts aside, indicating the
character's struggle to deal with emotional pain effectively.
Contrastive Elements and Tension:
While the extract primarily focuses on emotional pain, it includes moments that do not
directly relate to this theme. The author's deliberate inclusion of unrelated sections creates
contrast, heightening the portrayal of emotional pain when it resurfaces unexpectedly. The
tension created by these contrasting sections emphasises the unpredictability of emotional
pain, suggesting that it can intrude upon one's thoughts even in seemingly unrelated
moments.
Specific Conveyance of Emotional Pain:
The character's past experiences heavily influence her current emotional state. Summaya's
attempt to bury painful thoughts reveals that emotional pain persists and mutates rather than
disappearing. This idea is reinforced through the metaphorical language used, such as
"Things mutate. Evolve. Grow," emphasising the enduring nature of emotional pain. The
character's struggle to find resolution or growth from her pain is implied, indicating the
profound impact it has on her.
Words and Phrases Depicting Emotional Pain:
"Real things that hurt": The word "hurt" implies emotional pain as it conveys a distressing
emotional experience.
, "Too many syllables, with such sharp pronunciation from those rounded letters": This phrase
suggests the character's sensitivity to language and how certain words or sounds can evoke
emotional pain. It implies a heightened awareness of the meanings associated with words
and their impact on her emotions.
Representation of Emotional Pain:
The author uses figurative language, structure, and tone to represent emotional pain in the
extract. The metaphorical comparison of emotional pain to things that mutate and grow
conveys the enduring nature of pain. Additionally, the structure of sentences reflects the
character's thought processes, with wandering thoughts and sudden shifts between
whimsical musings and painful realities. The tone, marked by impatience and a hint of
resignation, further emphasises the emotional turmoil experienced by Summaya.
In the extract from "Onion Tears," Shubnum Khan skillfully employs literary features to depict
emotional pain. By exploring the plot, the character's perspective and thought processes, the
use of contrast, and the representation of emotional pain, the extract conveys the enduring
nature of emotional pain and its interconnection with other experiences and emotions.
Through her introspection, Summaya's struggles and attempts to cope with emotional pain
are portrayed, providing insight into the character's experiences and the author's depiction of
this theme. The inclusion of unrelated sections and the tension created between them further
highlights the unpredictable nature of emotional pain. The language used, including
metaphorical comparisons and the emphasis on the impact of words, contributes to the
representation of emotional pain as a persistent force.
Ultimately, this extract from "Onion Tears" effectively conveys the theme of emotional pain
by depicting its enduring nature and its interweaving with other experiences and emotions.
Through the character of Summaya, readers are exposed to her internal struggles and the
efforts she makes to sweep her distressing thoughts aside. The use of figurative language,
the structure of sentences, and the emphasis on the power of words all contribute to the
portrayal of emotional pain as a force that mutates and grows, persisting even when it is
seemingly forgotten.
In conclusion, Shubnum Khan's extract from "Onion Tears" skillfully employs literary features
to depict emotional pain. The plot, character perspective, use of contrast, and representation
of emotional pain through language and structure all work together to convey the enduring
nature of this emotion. By exploring the interconnection between thoughts and feelings, the
impact of setting and circumstances, and the development of the theme from the beginning
to the end of the extract, the author effectively captures the complexity and impact of
emotional pain in the lives of the characters.
Question 1
Title: A Stylistic Analysis of Persuasive Techniques in a Hotel Advertisement
This essay aims to conduct a stylistic analysis of a print advertisement for the JW Marriott
Hotel in Hong Kong, focusing on the persuasive techniques employed to engage the target
