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AP Prose Analysis 2022

Colin Hall analyzes an excerpt from People of the Whale, exploring how imagery, metaphor, and diction reveal a community's transformation from fear to reverence in response to unfamiliar ocean creature, reflecting their deep cultural ties to nature.

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    Colin Hall Mr. O'Connor AP English Literature - 1 23 April 2023 excerpt from Linda Hogan's People, of the JITiafe Analysis Unknown forces can elicit fear to those unfamiliar with its nature, thus prompting people to act in a variety 7 of different behaviors. In an excerpt from Linda Hogan's People of the Whale, the narrative follows a community's reaction to the appearance of an octopus, as they debate on the origin and purpose of the octopus' entrance. Through the use of imagery to construct the uncertain but curious atmosphere within the community, metaphor to relate the octopus to a higher being or idol, and diction to characterize the initial violent reaction of the fishermen and reflect on the respectful view that the close-knit community holds toward their "god", the narrator characterizes the community as a sheltered and complex group of people that transform their fear and hysteria into a profound respect for the power and mystery 7 of the ocean. In this excerpt. Hogan uses vivid and evocative imagery to develop a complex characterization of the community 7 . The author portrays the octopus as a powerful and mysterious creature that both fascinates and frightens the people who witness its unusual behavior. The imagery of the octopus "walking ' out of the sea and 'form[ing] itself to fit beneath a ledge ' (76-77) creates a sense of awe and wonder among the onlookers, who are "scared... into silence" (22) by this unexpected display. The author also uses imagery 7 to highlight the conflicting attitudes and beliefs of the community towards the octopus. Some fishermen see it only as a means to an end. as they argue that killing it would provide them with valuable bait. Others view it as a sacred and holy creature, worthy of offerings and reverence. The mother of Thomas, for

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