Language

The language of the short story “The Royal Flush” by Lori Pollock is simple and easy to follow, although the author occasionally uses some Bengali words. The choice of words matches the descriptive nature of the text, which is focused on the physical and social setting of Bangladesh.

There are several instances where imagery (descriptive language) is used in the text. The author uses it to create mental images of the action and the Bangladeshi setting, like in the following example: 

... the women who cast furtive glances her way while pegging pants and shirts and dresses alongside maroon, blue, and yellow saris drying in the breeze. Lindsey attempted eye contact even though they hid their faces while giggling behind their hands. She enticed them with gifts from home – organic teas, impossibly small bottles of maple syrup, and shiny barrettes... (ll. 89-92)

Similes, metaphors and rhetorical questions are other important language devices used by the author to add meaning to the text and to make it more appealing. 

Similes

All the similes used in the text are connected to the main character’s (Lindsey) perspective on what she experiences. When Lindsey describes the rickshaw driver as “another human being pulling me like an animal” (ll. 42-43), the comparison with an animal is used to suggest that Lindsey considers the job degrading and a form of slavery; she pities the rickshaw driver.

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Metaphors

On a few occasions, the author uses metaphorical language which conveys implicit comparisons. The “men hawking everything from fake Nike t-shirts to fresh-cut mangos to pirated DVDs.” (ll. 32-33) associates men with hawks, which are predator birds. Like the birds attack their prey, the men seize all types of things.

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Symbols

Although the author does not rely on symbolism extensively in this short story, we can still interpret a couple of elements as symbols.

The eco-toilets are symbolic of Western lifestyle, but also an ironic symbol related to the end of the short story. Lindsey went to Bangladesh with high hopes about having an impact as a volunteer. However, her assignment was to install toilets. At the end, the people she was hoping to help do not care about her efforts. Quite the contrary, her efforts are flushed down the toilet (figuratively speaking),...

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