chinese cinderela Flashcards
(4 cards)
poin 1
Firstly, Yen Mah interests the reader by presenting how she feels alienated from her own family.
First-person narrative voice – The extract uses “I” to share Yen Mah’s personal experience, helping the reader connect emotionally with her sense of isolation. It makes the alienation more direct and believable.
Contrasting description of the setting – She describes the car journey as if she were “like a prisoner” taken away, which contrasts with how a child might usually feel going home. This metaphor emphasises how out of place and unwanted she feels.
Negative emotional language – Words and phrases like “full of foreboding,” “guilt,” and “suspicious” help convey her inner anxiety. This draws attention to how excluded she feels from her family and how uncertain she is about their intentions.
Pathetic fallacy – “the trees were swaying violently”
The weather reflects her internal state of anxiety and fear. The violent movement of the trees mirrors the emotional turbulence she’s experiencing during the car journey.
point 2
Yen Mah interests the reader by presenting her relationship with her father.
Symbolism – “he was alone and smiling”
The rare smile might symbolise something unexpected or momentous, yet it contrasts with her usual perception of him. It adds suspense and highlights the formality of their relationship.
Short declarative dialogue – “Sit down”
Her father’s speech is clipped and authoritative. This imperative verb creates a sense of power and distance, showing a lack of emotional closeness.
Internal monologue – “Is it possible? Am I dreaming?”
These rhetorical questions show her disbelief and desire for her father’s approval. It makes the reader aware of how deeply she craves validation from him, despite their distant relationship.
point 3
Yen Mah interests the reader by presenting her hope for the future (at the end of the extract).
Symbolism – “a chance to go to England to study”
England symbolises freedom, independence, and opportunity. It contrasts with her current oppressive life, offering hope and change.
Shift in tone – from anxious to hopeful
The tone becomes more optimistic when her father says she will study medicine in England. This tonal shift provides emotional relief and shows personal growth.
Emotive language – “I was quite thrilled by the prospect”
This phrase reveals her genuine happiness and excitement. After all the fear and alienation, the reader finally sees her joy, ending the extract on a hopeful and uplifting note.
point 4 (if extra time there is )
Yen Mah interests the reader by creating tension around the meeting with her father.
Rhetorical questions – “Why? Why was I being singled out?”
These show her confusion and growing anxiety, pulling the reader into her emotional state and creating suspense about her father’s intentions.
Structural technique – Delayed revelation
The reason for the meeting is withheld until the very end. This builds tension and keeps the reader in suspense, mirroring her nervous anticipation.
Hyperbole – “my heart gave a giant lurch”
This exaggeration shows the strength of her emotional reaction, reinforcing her fear and uncertainty about what will happen.
