In the third paragraph, alternatively, Levine builds hope and optimism- “”Coming, coming” came the reply.” But in line 12- “I was beginning to lose faith... lads remained confident”- holds elements of first-hand pessimism/ loss of “faith” and witnessed optimism in the form of reassurance. These effects create suspense, further building the impact of the climax.
Paragraph four and five is the “climatic beginning”- climax appears as an explosion of activity. She creates visual imagery to show the speed of the competitors and how they appeared to “dwarf” the donkeys by their speed and number- “cloud of fumes and dust... almost dwarfed by their entourage”- this following phrase also gives an impression of size and atmosphere (imagery). The choice of diction “revved” created imagery and the impression of speed. It also develops the moment of frisson (excitement). There is a change of tone from narrative to informative and factual- now not narrating the journey but kindling the reader’s interest; “The Kiblah donkey is said to achieve speeds of up to 40kph”. The use of hyphen for additional information is common throughout the text. In the following phrase, “neck-and-neck”- it creates an imagery of speed, excitement and suspense. “Although not cruelly” at the end of the paragraph four seems out of place, this is where Levine reveals that she is conscious of her effect on travelers and corrects the imagery she has introduced. She protects the culture and the tradition in order to promote the sport and their (Pakistan’s) traditions.
In paragraph five, there’s a change in punctuation to speed up the pace of Levine’s writing, overall generating excitement. She begins to use lists and triads (“horns tooting, bells ringing and the special rattles used just for this purpose”) and again, it incorporates an informative tone in order to introduce the different aspects of culture; it also creates auditory imagery. The use of parenthesis (brackets)- “(like maracas, a metal container filled with dried beans)” is another technique used to present additional information. Long, disjoined sentences reflect the excitement, pace and disorder of the event: “men standing on top of their cars and vans”. Again, visual and tactile imagery is created through one word- “jostled”.
Paragraph six is where Levine “enters the race”. Particular words such as “swerve” (“... to edge out of the road and swerve in front of the nearest car”) illuminates speed in the race. Use of analogies such as “Formula One” (fast-paced, seemingly chaotic) and “City-centre rush hour” relates to the Western readers as it is a Western perspective of Levine and, creates understanding of speed and “anarchic” disorder. In short, the whole scenario’s chaotic.
In the seventh paragraph, there are a couple of clichés to interact with the readers through what they’re familiar with- “survival of the fittest”/ “nerved of steel”. There is a particular illustration of danger, which provokes a different kind of excitement amongst the readers. For instance, the phrase “Survival of the fittest” creates a life and death- like situation. The choice of diction creates a sense of importance, desperation and danger – “Depended” creates a sense of necessity, for instance. There’re phrases which are associated with animal theme (all instinctive): “sharp flicks”, “quick reflexes” and “nerves of steel”. Phrases like “Yaqoob loved it”/”Our young driver relished...” gives a tone of enthusiasm, describing the fun and excitement. Parenthesis is used to include the author’s personal comment- “(no lane discipline here)”. There is a bunch of additional information here as well. Auditory imagery is common throughout the paragraph. “Growing more colorful”- it is an euphemistic impression of tension and, an ironic and humorous instance when she knows he swears but makes it sound, somewhat lively. It also shows how involved they are into the game.
Paragraph eight is the “End of the race”. Levine describes the scenery to reflect the atmosphere; “Road straightened and leveled”- the tone is much calmer; pace has been slowed; longer sentences with wider distribution of punctuation. There is an effective ending- “The race is over”- the mixture of longer sentences with short, blunt ending implies immediate end of the race and excitement.
The ninth paragraph is the context’s “Another beginning” and, represents seriousness on the whole. When the race takes a serious, and possibly, a violent turn, she summarizes it in one but effective phrase- “And then the trouble began”. Levine emphasizes on the alien culture and traditions, so exotic that even common reasoning differs- “I assumed the winner was the one who completed the race but it was not seen that way by everyone”- this is one of the humorous instances in the paragraph. She reuses lists and triads to speed up the phase, rebuild the excitement lost at the end of the race and, creates visual imagery of the “volatile situation”- “Voices were raised, fists were out and tempers rising”.
In the last two paragraphs, they return to their calm and steady environment and, there is a humorous yet sinister ending to the story. The way the seriousness of the situation- how Yaqoob is an under aged driver with no license- is laughed at and taken lightly of is slightly disturbing and therefore, ends in a serious note. Yet, there is a tone that still expresses the shared enjoyment and fun, new realization and understandings is born to recreate an adapted impression of the entire context. In short, the ironic, incorporated humor is used to reflect on the reality of the danger, making the situation a light-hearted one.
- Vanjula S.