Strong and sad details abound in SOLD. As the story progresses, Lakshmi's innocence dissolves when exposed to shocking details like a girl beaten and spit on for disobeying her "husband" (85). By the end of the first half, she has been violated by many men, including Habib, "A man with lips like a fish," (120) and many others.
The most defining poetic sense in the book is by far the syntax. The paragraphs are structured one or two lines at a time, with a space in between, giving the feel of delicate poetry while describing the horrible circumstances Lakshmi is in, lending strong irony to the book. One chapter merely consists of: "There are a thousand girls in the city.
But so far, none of them is Gita." (69)
I love what you said about the syntax! Each chapter has a different length, from one page, to one sentance. The author uses the short sentance structure to get Laksmi's points across. Lakshmi says, "I am hurt. I am torn and bleeding where the men have been (125)." Already, you know all her feelings at that moment, and you know why. There was no need for a long explanation. It was poetic and graceful and told you everything.
ReplyDeleteI like your choice of quotes, they help support your idea. The only thing i don't understand is when you talk about irony. I would have been better if you gave an example of irony in the book. Maybe if you included the quote on page 146 where the men talk about how they pay the same amount for the girls as Lakshmi would for a bottle of Coca-Cola at Bajai Sita's store.
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