Language Use and Stylistic Devices in The Samaritan Act 4 Scene 3
.jpeg "Stylistic devices in The Samaritan Act 4 Scene 3")
1. Irony
It is ironical that the leaders of Maracas think that Nicole is in agreement with their suggestion of bringing her onboard and they celebrate she owes Maracus Municipality and the country a civil duty and she is ready to work with, yet she is not willing to join them at all (P.133-134).
Nicole finds it ironical when Mossi believes Nicole can get into contract with the Municipality and that is what will save the world. On the contrary, she thinks now laws or officers or positions can save it, the change should come from within themselves (P.135). She says they need patriotic citizens to enhance transparency (P. 133).
It is ironical that the leaders pretend they are ready for change at Maracas yet it is not true. They are only after winning Nicole to their side and tell her that they appreciate her contribution in enhancing service delivery to the people, yet they are after benefiting themselves (P.133).
It is ironical also that even though good governance stretches back to the beginning of human history, the many years of management worsen the situation. Currently, the citizens are enslaved by their own people when the forefathers were enslaved by the white people (P.130).
2. Satire
It is satirical that even though good governance stretches back to the beginning of human history, the many years of management worsen the situation. Currently people are enslaved by their own people when the forefathers were enslaved by the white people (P.130).
3. Sarcasm
Seymour pulls his goatee and leaning back on his seat, hence sarcastically tells Bembe that, he did not know they were coming for a sermon (P.136).
Narine sarcastically refers to Nicole as a headstrong girl (P.129).
She also tells her to go ahead and upload everyone on that App (P.129). She even tells her she neither her secretary nor a house girl.
4. Biblical Allusion
Several instances are inferred from the bible.
Nicole tells the gentlemen that the new era should be characterized by everyone being a brother’s keeper as shown in Genesis 4: 1-13 and Matthew 25: 31-40)(P.134).
Nicole compares the state of Maracas municipality to the valley of the dry bones in the bible in Ezekiel 37:1-10(P.136).
5. Ellipsis
Ellipsis has been used to show omission of words. Instances of ellipsis are as follows.
Nicole tells Madam Principal you are certainly not, madam principal, but
please….’ (P. 128).
My apologies, madam ……(P. 129).
Basdeo says, “well I don’t quite understand that …..(P.135).”
The Mayor responds to Basdeo by saying. The municipality is vested in me…(P.135).
6. Imagery
a. Vivid Description
The scene starts on Wednesday at lunch hour at the Sagrada Secondary school in the principal’s boardroom. Narine is dressed in her trade mark style-flowery sari and gorgeous headscarf -pacing uneasily about the room, breathing rather heavily.
From outside, the footsteps of a lady approaching on the corridor can be heard.
Then there is a knock on the door (P.128).
There is another vivid description where it is stated, the visitors file in, the guests shake hands with the principal and Nicole. They all take seats and the principal clears her throat (P.131).
We are also informed of a brief awkward moment after which Jaden clears his throat and fiddles with the eyeglasses he had removed in his hands. It is indicated,Jaden and company exchange glances (P. 132). They all stand with relief and cheerfully move to shake Nicole’s hand in turns. Nicole stands up, though looked rather puzzled (P.133).
The writer described the boardroom as having a relaxed mood as people resume their seats (P.134).
There is silence as the mayor and company look at one another inquisitively. Then there is a loud knock on the door, which opens slowly. The School Principal enters, followed by a tall, uniformed police officer (P137).
b. Symbolism
Narine tells Nicole that, she has severally said the bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists. The oak stands for Nicole who is determined to ensure that the leadership of maracas if held accountable (P. 130).
The Beast stands for leaders that are corrupt, misuse their offices or powers (P.136).
c. Simile
But like misguided helmsman…(P.137).
d. Metaphor
The vessel us dangling dangerously- Maracus is in great trouble (P.137).
7. Rhetorical questions
Nicole asks, “frankly speaking, if all of you dipped his fingers into the public rill, or broke the law in any way, would you be where you are today? Would our Municipality be in its present condition?(P.137).”
Narine asks Nicole, “You think that is fair to me? To the students? To the school?
Do you think the life of our school is all about the App?(P.129).”
Narine also asks Nicole, “Did you ever care to know what battles I am fighting to ensure your safety and defend the school’s position?(P.129).”
8. Idiomatic Expression
Dipped his fingers into the public till-looted public property (P.137).
Cutting her short-interrupts (P.128).
Mossi says that he treads on people’s toes (P.132).
9. Saying and Proverbs
Narine cautions Nicole that the bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak the resists (P.130).
If you can’t turn the wind turn the sail (P.130).
10. Hyperbole
Narine says, “she will have no choice but to personally grab Nicole by her pants and hound her out of her vicinity through the nearest available opening ( P.130).”