Nat 5 English - Hotel Room 12th Floor Quotes

commonality

in 'Hotel Room, 12th Floor' Macaig uses the sounds and views from his hotel room to explore the central concerns of the violence and constant suffering he observes in New York city.

"a helicopter skirting like a damaged insect"

Simile compares the helicopter to an insect. It looks tiny compared to the enormous size of the building and seems to hover like a fly and makes a buzzing noise which is constant and irritating. The word choice of "damaged" also has connotations of harmed or spoiled, meaning the technology is ineffective.

"jumbo sized dentist's drill"

Metaphor compares the Empire State Building to a dentist's drill. It is a similar elongated shape with the spiky needle shaped top. The alliteration on the "d" sound suggests connotations of pain and discomfort, suffering and unpleasantness. This emphasizes that he finds it painful to be in New York - even by day.

"glittering canyons and gulches"

Metaphor compares the skyline with its high rise buildings to canyons in the wild west. They are "glittering" because of all the lights and the wealth in the city. This highlights sophisticated, shiny, glass fronted buildings, but at night when they are dark there are vicious attacks like in a Wild West movie.

"police cars and ambulances racing"

There is a use of plurals to suggest there is a relentless amount of emergencies which need attention. 'Racing' has connotations of rushing which suggests the severity and urgency and the spread of injuries and suffering.

"blood/glazed on the sidewalks"

Metaphor compares the blood stains on the ground to puddles shining in the moonlight. The word choice of "Glaze" suggests that the stains will not come out and that there is a lot of blood - reminder that America was founded through war and bloodshed and violence, and that nothing really has changed.

"harsh screaming from coldwater flats"

screaming is used to refer to the people , emphasising disembodied voices, dehumanisation, and no respect or care for individuals suffering. The word choice of "coldwater flats" suggests the poverty and poor conditions many people live in - stark contrast to verse 1 which highlights wealth and lavish buildings showing off America's power ('glittering canyons and gulches'). This hints at the real reasons behind these "wars" due to terrible poverty and a huge divide between rich and poor which questions the idea of civilisation.

"uncivilized darkness"

The word choice of 'uncivilized' has connotations of brutal violence, primitive aggression. This suggests fear in present city life and a lack of care in communities.