Who Is Bobby Wabalanginy?
Bobby is a major character in the text; a storyteller who is first seen writing on a tablet with chalk. Bobby is significant because:
“has a language for the real story inside him, but it is as if a strong wind whips those words away as soon as they leave his mouth.”
Paradox as Metaphor
The use of metaphor is an effective means of portraying a specific emotion during action. The precise choice of just the right word can do more visually to create an image in the reader’s head than an entire paragraph of description. Of special note here is the use of paradox in describing indecision with a synonym for commotion.
“Poor Jak Tar was a flurry of indecision, and the men in the boat, usually leaning into their oars and moving with one mind like a school of fish, pointed in all directions and insisted on various targets.”
Personification
Another effective choice for metaphorical language is to give the natural world human characteristics. Notice how the specific choice of a verb that indicates not just random action, but emotional intent lends depth to this description:
“Instead, the wind plucked at Bobby’s small shelter of brush- wood and canvas, and rain spat on the walls.”
Imagery
Very often the author uses metaphor to provide imagery as a backdrop for the action. And then he gives the image a little tweak with personal commentary:
“But the river on the rocks sounded like someone laughing softly. Chuckling. As rivers and people do.”
Chapter Titles
Metaphor is prevalent among the chapter titles. These choices are effective because they resonate with the subject of the chapter without providing enough literal information to fully divulge to the reader what is coming. At the same time, however, they are metaphorical glimpses into what might come that act as enticements to continue reading:
“The heart of home”
“Firelight in an eye”
“People’s attention scatters like sheep do too”
“The setting sun a stone”
