In paragraph 9, the writer uses imagery and descriptive language to create a mysterious and eerie effect as Natalia
first sees the elephant. The phrase "At first I thought it was a tram" immediately shows her confusion and disbelief,
comparing the elephant to a man-made object. This simile exaggerates the elephant’s size and creates a sense of
unnaturalness. The repeated adjectives "too organic, too lumpy, and too slowly" suggest something grotesque and
unnatural, reinforcing the elephant's unusual appearance and movement. The use of “too” as an intensifier stresses
Natalia’s unease. Furthermore, the description "swaying, swaying up the street with an even momentum" evokes a
hypnotic and ghostly motion, while the metaphor "like a tide" conveys the idea that the elephant is large, slow, and
unstoppable. The auditory imagery in “the thing sucked in air and then let out a deep groan” adds to the mood of
sorrow and weariness, portraying the elephant as suffering.
In paragraph 12, the writer shifts to a more detailed physical description of the elephant using powerful visual
imagery. The phrase “domed, bouldered head with big-lidded eyes” uses metaphor and alliteration to portray the
elephant as ancient, tired, and heavy. It evokes a sense of struggle and fragility. The description “arched roll of the
spine fell away into the hips” creates a visual of weakness and collapse, suggesting the elephant is worn out. The
phrase “dragged its curled trunk like a fist along the ground” personifies the trunk, conveying exhaustion and pain, as
if the elephant is barely able to move. These descriptions reflect Natalia’s sorrowful impression and highlight the
elephant’s vulnerability.
Overall, the writer effectively uses imagery, similes, metaphors, and sensory language to evoke both physical and
emotional responses, making the elephant appear ghostly, fragile, and deeply symbolic.