Post A # 6

Vocab
Arduous (233)- requiring great exertion; laborious; difficult
Cursory (253)- going rapidly over something, without noticing details

Figurative Language
"[...] where farmers grew sugar-cane, and impregnated the city's air with a sweet scent (234)." Hosseni uses PERSONIFICATION to describe the sweet smell of sugar cane spreading about the city of Jalalabad.
"I was afraid [...] I would wade back into that great, big river and let myself forget, letthe things had learned these last few days sink to the bottom (231)." He uses the METAPHOR of a river again to describe the land of America.
"Where the table's legs crossed like an X, there was a ring of brass balls, each walnut sized (225)." He uses a SIMILE to compare the design and position of the tables legs to an "X."

Quote
"Don't ever stare at them! Do you understand me? Never (248)!"
Amir is being driven around Afghanistan by a man named Farid, and they are currently driving away from the taliban who have just done "beard check." Amir has just been in California, and doesn't know not to look a Talib in the eye. Also, I'm pretty sure that he had a fake beard on that was the standardized one inch length. It just shows the culture gap inbetween America and Afghanistan. Amir is a fairly rich man, and it didn't take him long at all to get accustomed to the "American Ways."

Theme
Although it is important to always be yourself, but certain people and groups require a different way of speaking and acting. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.