Warpath
Shteyngart writes, “Mother (Vlamidir’s) roused by the meagre achievements of Vladimir’s first quarter century, was officially on the warpath.” Manifestly, Vlamidir’s mother is not impressed by the progress he has grasped at twenty-five. The emblematic war path suggests that Vladimir is having a conflict with his mother.
Rabbits
Shteyngart writes, “A downcast, heavyset American girlfriend whose bright orange hair was strewn across his Alphabet City hovel as if a cadre of Angora rabbits had visited.” Likening Vladimir’s girlfriend’s hair to ‘Angora rabbits’ highlights the peculiar untidiness of the hair.
Matronly
Shteyngart observes, “Challah with the bulging cheeks and determined radish of a nose, looking ever matronly and suburban.” The emblematic description ‘matronly’ stresses Challah’s chubbiness which is apparent. Her mode of dressing does not obscure her stoutness.
