Middlesex: #2: A

::VOCAB::
Aquiline(47)- curving like an eagle's beak
Quay(47)- a structure built parallel to the bank of a waterway for use as a landing place

::Analysis::

“leap nimbly up onto a laundry line, and tightrope-walks across to the house behind.”(56) This is an example of personification because it is taking an object, fire, and giving it human characteristics. A fire cannot technically leap nimbly or tightrope.

“the ripples of light reflecting on his cabin walls were the pyrotechnics of heaven.”(44) This is an example of figurative language because it is a metaphor. It compared the reflected light to the god-like pyrotechnics of heaven.

“your legs were made of glass,”(44) This is figurative language for it is a comparison, without the use of “as” or “like”. The soldier compared his general’s legs to glass and their similarities.

::Quote::

“The smell of things burning that aren’t meant to burn wafts across the city: shoe polish, rat poison… And hair and skin.”(57) This quotation from Middlesex illustrates the pain and suffering with occurred at the port. After fleeing their respective towns, the refugees were plied up and captured in a burning barricaded city. The suffering was tremendous and as the couple/family fled from the city they smelt it tragedy.