Language

Choice of words

The story “Where the Gods Fly” by Jean Kwok includes a few descriptive passages and words which help convey the setting atmosphere and details about the characters.

The most character-related descriptive words concern Pearl or the narrator: “red sweater” (l. 14), “little face” (l. 18), “black hair and tawny skin” (l. 48), “intense, quiet child” (l. 49), “honoured scholarship students” (ll. 60-61), “simple clothes” (l. 63), “extraordinary talent” (l. 4) “heavy dance bag” (l. 83), “terrible poignancy” (l. 141), “infinitely powerful” (l. 142), “foolish, doting mother” (l. 162), etc. This shows the narrator’s perspective of herself and her daughter and has the effect of suggesting the story is character-focused.

Some other descriptive words are used in connection with the setting: “clogged air” (l. 9), “dark apartment” (l. 19), “yellowed bathroom sink” (l. 70), etc. These words create negative images that suggest the poor living conditions of the characters. 

Some words of wisdom are also included in the narration: “Perhaps they place the tall hat of flattery on your head while they’re actually laughing when you turn your face away.” (ll. 64-65); “It is not easy to maintain your balance when the winds of fate blow upon your back…” (ll. 107-108). Such phrases help highlight the fact that the narrator is quite traditional and religious.

There are also instances when the narrator seems to be using direct address: “I tell you the truth now, that I wanted to learn English…” (l. 98) However, the narrator is not necessarily addressing readers, but the gods she is praying to. This helps suggest the personal nature of her narrative.

Some of the narrator’s thoughts are conveyed using italics, to highlight she is me...