Language

The choice of words in “We’re not Jews” by Hanif Kureishi reflects the social setting of the 1950s with many references to World War II, racism, bullying, and Pakistani culture. The language also includes slang and offensive vocabulary which reflect bullying and racism: “ ‘But we ain’t as common as a slut who marries a darkie.’ ” (l. 78).

Imagery is also present when the author describes the setting or some of the characters. These descriptive passages help convey mental images about what is happening in the story: “…came out of his house, wearing a three-piece suit, trilby hat, and leading his Scottie. He looked over his garden, picked up a scrap of paper which had blown over the fence, and sniffed the evening air.” (ll. 209-211); “They passed a bomb-site and left the road for a narrow path. When they could no longer feel anything firm beneath their feet, they crossed a nearby rutted, muddy playing field in the dark.” (ll. 235-238)

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Similes

The two Billys are described “hooting and panting as if they were on a fairground ride” (l. 7) to suggest their violent behaviour and lack of manners. The same idea is reinforced by the simile “Big Billy was hooting like an orang-utan” (l. 40), which shows that Big Billy behaves like an animal.

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Rhetorical questions

Rhetorical questions are used to convey the main character’s thoughts, which reveal worries, frustrations, and anxiety. For instance, Azhar is shocked by racism and cannot make sense of it: “How could such a thing be possible? What did it mean? How then should he act?” (ll. 127-128)

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Symbols

The story also includes a few symbolic elements that reflect Pakistani culture and English culture.

Symbols of English culture are the mother’s handkerchief, gloves, and purse. Symbols of Pakistani culture are the cricket game, the language the men in the house use,...

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