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Allegory
Definition of Alliteration
Alliteration is a figure of speech in which the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the “b” sound in: “Bob brought the box of bricks to... read full definition
Alliteration is a figure of speech in which the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the “b” sound in: “Bob brought... read full definition
Alliteration is a figure of speech in which the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the... read full definition
Chapter 10: Gift of the Magi
Explanation and Analysis—A Wheezing House:
Midway through the novel, winter hits Vineland. Thatcher is concerned about his house: his family is cold, and the structure only provides meager insulation. Kingsolver describes his predicament using personification and alliteration:
Her father's house, devoutly defended through autumn, was revealing its adversity. Gracie bent herself double keeping the fires lit in rooms that inhaled winter through wheezing walls and windows.
In this passage, Kingsolver personifies Thatcher's house by describing it as "[inhaling] winter" and "wheezing." These human traits help readers understand the plight of the house as similar to ill health: it's fragile, doing its best but struggling against the elements. While this strengthens the impression of an emotional connection between Thatcher and his home, it also matches the broader pattern of comparing structures and bodies. Nick, for instance, is likened to a deteriorating house as his body slowly succumbs to his illness. This pattern encourages readers to care for and nurture their lived environments just as they do their bodies.
This passage is also rich with alliteration. The phrases "devoutly defended" and "wheezing walls and windows" bring the sentence to life and invite readers inside the sensory experience it describes. The sound of the sentence is rhythmic, blustery, and similar to the blowing of wind through windows. By matching content with form, Kingsolver enriches the texture of her novel.
Chapter 12: Treasure Chest of Time
Explanation and Analysis—A Supple Branch:
Near the end of Thatcher's public debate with Cutler over Darwinism and religion, Thatcher looks into the crowd and is inspired by a wink from Carruth. It gives him the bravery he needs to steadfastly tell the truth even in uncomfortable and embarrassing situations. Kingsolver conveys this newfound bravery in a passage of figurative language that features the novel's title:
He studied the crowded hall. This place of old philosophers and doomed progenitors was nothing to him. He was a supple branch, fleet of foot, motherless, unsheltered. Every adversity to this moment had made him a survivor.
The core of this passage is a metaphor enhanced by alliteration. In the line "He was a supple branch, fleet of foot, motherless, unsheltered," Kingsolver uses alliteration ("fleet of foot") to compare Thatcher to a supple branch, resilient and free under the blue sky. The sentence itself is supple, too, which enhances its effect. This is a key moment for Thatcher. He more fully accepts the idea of living in a way that is "unsheltered"—bravely, truthfully, and empathetically.
Kingsolver's comparison of Thatcher to a supple branch also participates in the broader symbolic significance of trees. Usually, trees, symbolize humanity's lasting connection with nature; here, trees are also a symbol for living an unsheltered life. By uniting these two threads, Kingsolver argues that nature is a key factor in what it looks like to live bravely and honestly.
Related Themes:
Chapter 14: End of Days
Explanation and Analysis—Late March:
Late in the novel, Captain Landis shoots Uri Carruth after Carruth publishes a satirical piece in his newspaper The Independent. Afterwards, Thatcher discusses the event with his family, who side with Landis. He disagrees with them and experiences a moment of disbelief at Carruth's death. The narrative uses alliteration to outline this moment:
Thatcher could not countenance the thought of this giant force of a man snuffed out. Not while the sun blazed its ordinary light and late March broke the buds on the trees.
To accentuate the emotional impact of Carruth's death on Thatcher, Kingsolver uses rhythmic alliteration and stark visual imagery. The rhythm of the second sentence of this passage, alongside the alliteration of "late and light" and "blazed [...] broke the buds," make these lines read like poetry. The beat of the phrase "late March broke the buds on the trees," full of alternating long and short stresses, also nearly mimics the beating of a heart.
Importantly, Thatcher's moment of reflection is centered on nature: he's so astounded by the beauty of the world that he can't comprehend Carruth's passing. While this could be read as a contrast that highlights the tragedy of the scenario, it could also be understood as a gesture to the way death is a return to nature. In other words, reflection on nature can be a way to establish community with Carruth even after he's gone.
Related Themes:
