Sold is written in a very simplistic way, that explains complex things easily for readers. One of the most difficult things in life is to hear about sex slavery all around the world. The way Patricia McCormick explains these experiences is by using simple images to explain complex things. In the book Lakshmi is being raped by this old man and she says, " Underneath the weight of him, I cannot see or move or breath. He fumbles with his pants, forces my legs apart, and I can feel him pushing himself between my thighs"(p.103). She writes this in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, which to me means that the language of her piece is very sticking. I think that it also shows how such a complex, intense and violent experience can really be narrowed down to just the simplest thing.
Another example of a candid tone is when Lakshmi is drugged with a sweet tea of death. Lakshmi says, " The drink is sweet and cool and tastes of mango. After a few minutes, I feel old. and soon her image is fading in and out like lantern light. I squint and there are two of her. I blink and she is gone"(P.119). I think the image of this experience is very simple, but it feels so weird to know that people actually do that.
My last example of a candid tone in Sold is when Lakshmi is loosing everything, even her connection with the gods. She has always been so close with the gods and has thought that they have gotten hr through everything and she says, " I am Hurt. I am torn and bleeding where the men have been. I pray to the gods to make the hurting go away. No one can hear me. Not even the gods"(P.125). I think that this shows how such disturbing experiences can effect you in some of the biggest ways possible. I feel she shows that through the detail of her writing. Even thought it is gruesome, it shows how horrible things can be.
I agree about how the bluntness of McCormick's writing is unusual and at times uncomfortable. She makes unbearable images so down to the point, and straight forward. "My legs give way beneath me as the tender place inside me imagines the burn of hot chili stick" ( 257). While reading this i was blown away by the candid aspect of her writing.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that McCormick's simplistic writing style covers harsh topics, such as being raped and sold into sex slavery. This makes it easier to comprehend the complex images created by the tone of her writing. Her tone is direct, as well as informative. "He grunts and struggles, trying to fit himself inside me. With a sudden thrust I am torn in two." (121)She tells us this terrible incident so casually and informatively, making it seem like she's having conversation.
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