Through My Veins (metaphor)
"This is my land. Its soil is in my body, its water runs through my veins." This metaphor compares Tete's deep connection to their homeland to the physical elements of her body. It demonstrates the reluctance to leave and migrate with Baba and the protagonist, Sami. By equating the soil with her body and the water with her blood, Tete illustrates the inseparable bond she shares with the land. She implies that leaving would be like severing a vital part of herself. Through this metaphor, Tete conveys her unwavering loyalty and attachment to her homeland. It encapsulates the deep-seated attachment and the sense of loss that accompanies forced migration.
New Normal (metaphor)
The following statement compares the impact of war in Syria to its effect on the narrator and their family. By using the phrase "the war had got to us," it indicates that the war has reached and affected them personally. It implies that the consequences of war have permeated their lives disrupting their safety, stability, and normalcy. Furthermore, the metaphor conveys a sense of helplessness and vulnerability. It suggests that the war's impact is beyond their control as if it has taken hold of them and influences their daily experiences. Thus, it signifies the shift from a perceived sense of isolation to a realization that they are not immune to the conflict.
Zombie Graveyard (simile)
Sami reflects on the challenges they face in their new location comparing it to the apartment in Turkey. He states, "This place was like a graveyard full of zombies." It highlights the contrast between their current situation and the relative optimism they experienced in the previous apartment. The somber atmosphere in the restaurant and the appearance of those around them further contribute to the overall sense of despair. Sami's observation of the younger boys who appear unhappy reinforces their realization. The comparison to a graveyard highlights the lack of emotional expression and the prevailing sense of detachment. It captures the profound challenges and struggles faced by individuals seeking refuge.
Freckled Sky (simile)
Sami appreciates the enjoyable day he had spent with Ali wishing to preserve that positive memory. To distract himself from his thoughts, Sami looks up at the night sky stating that "The stars were dotted everywhere, like freckles on a face." This simile compares the scattered appearance of stars in the dark sky to the distribution of freckles on a face. It conveys a visual image of the stars adding beauty and familiarity to the scene. It also emphasizes the small and scattered nature of the stars creating a sense of abundance and enchantment. The simile serves to enhance the descriptive quality of the scene engaging the reader's imagination.
Pungent Scent (simile)
“The first thing that hit me as we walked in was the smell like a dirty toilet with bleach mixed in.” This simile compares the unpleasant odor that the narrator encounters upon entering the hostel. It conveys the intensity and discomfort of the smell as well as its contrasting elements. Sami compares the smell to a mixture of a filthy toilet and bleach. The addition of bleach to the comparison indicates an attempt to mask or clean the underlying unpleasantness. It highlights the harsh and unwelcoming environment the family finds. Thus, it captures their immediate negative impression of the hostel.
