Both Anna Akhmatova and Isabelle Allende create texts that draw their readers in through the use of interesting themes and relatable messages. The two texts City of the Beasts (2002) by Isabelle Allende and “Requiem” (1940-1957) by Anna Akhamatova explore the issue of religion through the use of several writing techniques, such as imagery, sound devices and symbolism.
Strong imagery used by Allende and Akhmatova forces the reader to notice the messages they have created. In the text City of the Beasts by Allende uses …show more content…
In the first text City of the Beasts by Allende, sound devices are conveyed through the line “The sound that burst from his throat was the same he had roared before,” (p.234). The onomatopoeia burst grabs the reader’s attention and indicates a breakdown of strength. The onomatopoeia roared also gains attention by allowing them to imagine the sound of a jaguar roaring. Allende seems to agree with the opinion of Akhmatova in the line “He remembered his totemic animal, he did not have to do anything, the transformation happened quickly and easily” (p.234) by again showing that she believes there is only a fine line between the spiritual and living world. In the second text ‘Requiem’ by Akhmatova, sound devices are conveyed through the line “Mary Magdalene beat her breast and sobbed.” (p.113) the alliteration of ‘b’ in this line draws attention to the words beat and breast. This allows the author to emphasise her vivid image of Mary Magdalene beating her breast, therefore grabbing their attention and forcing readers to notice how Akhmatova uses Mary Magdalene to represent herself and portray the way she feels about the fine line between religion and