This image represents the disparity between status and character, and how neither one defines the other. The cars on the right represent the higher social class in Afghanistan, which is rich enough to afford a luxurious mode of transportation that requires them to do nothing but press on the gas pedal. Because of their wealth, they are all revered by the rest of society, which is shown by how the cars are illuminated by the sun. However, this light also shows all the character flaws they possess. Their higher status makes them feel inclined to reassert it and permits them to commit sins with impunity. These imperfections are represented by the broken windows and broken engines. Meanwhile, the bikes on the left represent the lower social class of Afghanistan, which can only afford to buy bikes, a manually powered mode of transportation. Being put in the shadows, the darkness hides their strengths and flaws, and they are often ignored by those of higher status. They are also chained to racks, which prevents them from ever moving out into the sunlight.
I like your metaphor, and I think it's very interesting. I especially liked how you pointed out that the cars were in the light and the bikes in the dark, leading to their flaws either becoming hidden or exposed. Another thing you could've pointed out is the fence between the two, dividing the social classes.
ReplyDeleteI really like the way that you used the lighting, and the bikes/cars to represent the people's social stature.
ReplyDeleteI like how you used the bikes and the cars to portray the differences between the rich and poor of Afghanistan, which although it is not the main theme of the story, it is a strong underlying theme throughout the book which definitely affects the plot.
ReplyDeleteI like how you don't limit the metaphor to what is shown, but also going into how the bikes and cars can be used comparatively to each other.
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