Hypnotic
Hiram recounts, “In five minutes I was settled against the base of a tree on the riverbank watching my line tugging against the current. The thick green water seemed hypnotic or soothing or something, and the anger I’d had for Dad, the worries about Grampa, and any other cares I’d brought with me to Mississippi were swept away.” The allegorical hypnotic influence conveys the soothing ambiance at the river, which prompts Hiram to overcome his tension. Watching the water is analogous to undertaking hypnosis which, oddly, reinvigorates Hiram.
“Old Cow”
Hiram narrates, “R.C reached over and pounded the truck horn. Ronnie’s head snapped up, his eyes huge, and he stopped dead in the road in front of us like an old cow caught in the glare of a car’s headlights.” The emblematic cow depicts Ronnie’s shock which is attributed to dread of death which could arise from being run over. Including the term ‘ dead’ accentuates Ronnie’s astonishment; he did not anticipate that the car could find him unaware.
Kings
Hiram asserts, “Ruthanne fed us like kings again. Grampa ate well but didn’t say much. All the driving around and visiting we’d done must’ve taken a lot out of him because as soon as dinner was over, he went straight to bed.” The rhetorical king features the outstanding meals which Ruthanne serves them. Perceptibly, the food is delicious and appropriate for monarchs.
