literary devices in the alchemist literary devices in the alchemist

This is seen when Fatima has the dream about the angel telling her that Santiago must go on his journey without her. Coelhos life was dramatically changed in 1986 when he completed a 500-mile pilgrimage walk in northwestern Spain: the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James). Santiago sells his flock and sets off on his journey, first to the city of Tangier in Morocco where he meets an Englishman who is also searching for treasure. Oxymoron 15. Allusion is a brief reference to a person, place, thing, event, or idea in history or literature. Allusions are a way to mention something indirectly, and to make one think of a certain thing or things. He is rather amazed at this strange dream and asks the Old Woman of Tarifa about it, who guides her that it is true. The Centrality of Personal Legends. Wed love to have you back! at the best online prices at eBay! These are the last thoughts of Santiago at the end of his journey. This religious debate entails that religion is important, but the experience of the world is more important to lead a successful life. This changed the way that Santiago thought throughout the book. These lines are self-reflections of Santiago. Furthermore, the literary devices presented within these sentences have a distinguished purpose: form a relatable story to develop a moral lesson. How to identify literary devices when you're reading They also believe that they will have a better world to live in besides the one that has been destroyed by people. Allusion. This had a very big impact on Santiago. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! Melchizedek believes that when a person desires something and tries to achieve it, everything becomes his companion. Then he remembered that he had to get to Tarifa so he could give one-tenth of his treasure to the Gypsy woman, as he had promised. Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist. A literary device is a writing technique that writers use to express ideas, convey meaning, and highlight important themes in a piece of text. These literary devices help convince the idea of behind this story Throughout the story his human nature is expressed with . Discount, Discount Code Anaphora 5. When Melchizedek gives Santiago two precious stones, he is actually handing him the power to see good or bad omens and act accordingly. Two bonus appendixes provide a full list of teacher-recommended titles to choose from for the open-ended essay, as well as a quick grammar review to . Metaphor 12. The title of this study is, "An Analysis of Figurative Languages Used in Paulo Coelho's novel Entitled "The Alchemist". Coelho uses a variety of them in, , which help to illustrate the messages he, Find an example of each of the following literary devices in the book. truth and his wisdom surprises and shocks people. What this book portrays just what an alchemist does, transforming "lead to goad". "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." Diction Final Words When reviewing Santiagos book, he asserts that many sacrifices pursuing ones dream and rather settle for a comfortable lifestyle. Paradox 16. Sparklet Chapter Summaries Summary & Analysis Part One, Section 1 Section 2 In the context of the novel, when a natural element or individual pursues a Personal Legend, it will evolve . Narcissus and the lakes selfishness were obvious. Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/numerous-stylistic-techniques-in-the-alchemist-by-paulo-coelho/. Santiago is highly conscious of the real objective of the Egyptian pyramid and the treasure. Hence, Santiago had to remain a little selfish on his self-discovery mission. Those who do not have the courage to pursue their deepest desires end up living an empty and doomed life plagued by dissatisfaction and frustration. The alchemist turns metal into gold in the monk's kitchen, and gives the monk a portion for his generosity to pilgrims. Later it reappears in the novel through different characters in the shape of Personal Legend. Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides. As a result, readers are able to universally reflect on whatever challenges or tough decisions they are facing, and have the inspiration for Santiago to go for it. Paulo Coelhos The Alchemist is a novel about following your dreams and achieving your personal legend. SparkNotes PLUS Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide. Teachers and parents! Love is another major thematic strand of this novel that runs parallel to other themes. Hi! The Alchemist describes the process of turning base metal to gold as equivalent to the base metal realizing its Personal Legend. Santiago is an allusion to Romeo from Romeo and Juliet, the Merchants Daughter, Rosalyn, and Fatima, Juliet. 2. Literary Devices Themes. The Alchemist is the most translated book by a living author, and one of the best selling books ever, which speaks to its universal qualities. . And, when you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it.. He was an introverted and unusual teenager and, at age 17, his family admitted him to a mental hospital. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. The epis. Simile 14. In fact, the entire adventurous quest of Santiago is a spiritual quest to discover his soul following his dreams. He abandons his religious duties and starts following his dream to achieve his Personal Legend. The above quote is one of the famous and most quotes in the world. Ace your assignments with our guide to The Alchemist! In this section, Santiago is introduced, whose journey is to realize and fulfill his Personal Legend. Don't forget you like when that happens because of the unfathomable but chillingly . Originally written in Portuguese, The Alchemist is translated into sixty-seven languages and has sold more than sixty five million copies worldwide. In the opening of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Coelho uses numerous stylistic techniques to not only inspire his readers but also to instill his message through thematic elements. But if he speaks in the language of the soul, it is only you who can understand (15). His superficial attraction is much like the Greek story of Narcissus Coelho includes in the prologue: a warning of the destructive nature and effects of self-love and vanity. Through Melchizedeks words, Coelho is able to take the reader from his/her comfortable life and inspire him/her to pursue what they have been scared of. Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. However, he returns to claim his true love for Fatima.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'literarydevices_net-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_11',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-literarydevices_net-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Santiago dreams about the treasure in the church. An example of a metaphor in the Alchemist is the desert. With this idea, God is synonymous with everything, which creates a feeling of hope for readers as it supports ideas like fate, destiny, and Personal Legends. He also accepts the fact that he can do anything. This represents Santiagos choice between love and his personal legend. Santiago chooses to live an independent life. Santiago wants unpredictable and not boring. Some readers may believe in independence, while some might respond to guidance. The Alchemist study guide contains a biography of author Paulo Coelho, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% When he speaks our language, I can interpret what he has said. Visit store Contact. Journey of a Young Shepherd Boy Santiago in The Alchemist, Horror and Suspense with a Dash of Romanticism in Frankenstein, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Santiago, The Alchemist and the Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. Prologue The Alchemist picked up a book that someone had brought. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. The Alchemist is a novel by Paulo Coelho, first published in Portuguese with a title O Alquimista in 1988. After that, he witnesses the attack of an opposing tribe, which proves true. He is disappointed to know it that his entire research, his use of magic, Abracadabra and laboratory tools have failed him. She reluctantly agrees to let him go and gives him back the money he had used to buy her jewelry so that he can continue his travels.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'benjaminbarber_org-leader-3','ezslot_17',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-benjaminbarber_org-leader-3-0'); Santiago eventually arrives at the pyramid of Pharaohs where he is able to dig up his treasure a large amount of gold and jewels. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Set in a forsaken church in Spain at night; the young Shepard Santiago tastes the exquisite sensation of a compelling dream. Santiago remains uncertain until he meets Melchizedek, who claims to be the king of Salem. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. 2 10 / 10 points Your final literary analysis essay has to include all of the following EXCEPT. He also encourages him that beginners always find luck when they start searching for something. Want 100 or more? This encounter symbolizes Santiagos journey into self-discovery. The Monk. having an injured or disabled . Although he wants to make the pilgrimage to Mecca required of every Muslim, he fears that once hes made the trip he will have nothing else to live for. One of the main reasons why is that this was the point when he started to understand that there was a language that everone knew. You'll also receive an email with the link. 20% The Alchemist is a parable, as it uses a relatable story to develop a moral lesson. The alchemist represents wisdom and knowledge, while the desert represents the unknown. In this section, Santiago is introduced, whose journey is to realize and fulfill his Personal Legend. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. As you grow in your skill, these literary devices will become a part of your storytelling voice. Second, was personification; personification was used to describe an object and help the reader to understand what it looks like. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. An example of a metaphor in the Alchemist is the desert. Santiago thinks about the flock of sheep that he tends and earns his livelihood. This wisdom lies in knowing the Soul of the World and aligning the Personal Legend with this Universal Soul. Some of the major themes in The Alchemist have been discussed below. These lines sum up his entire philosophy of life. Chat with professional writers to choose the paper writer that suits you best. The Alchemist was also turned into a play and has been translated into over 80 languages. -Graham S. Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. Hire a verified expert to write you a 100% Plagiarism-Free paper. Then, create an example of your own for that. Struggling with distance learning? They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. Alchemist Allegory Short Summary. Furthermore, in this metaphor, the fortune teller is simultaneously persuading Santiago to follow his dream as fate supports him, while also bestowing the power into his hands since only he can understand it fully. Alchemist and Bartholomew Fair - and the poems. As a result, he remains deeply unhappy, reinforcing the notion that fear acts as an obstacle to a happy and fulfilled life. This foreshadows Santiagos eventual departure from Fatima in order to fulfill his personal legend.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'benjaminbarber_org-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_13',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-benjaminbarber_org-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); The book also uses allegory to tell the story. He worked as an actor, a theater director, a journalist, and a songwriter for other artists, before being arrested in 1974 for his subversive liberal song lyrics. Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is designed to help you put the new Common Core State Standards into practice. This is a parable as the boy is also learning from a wise man like Santiago is from Melchizedek, and the reader is learning from Coelho. Until then, the flock would not be worried because they trust Santiago as their shepherd. Thats the worlds greatest lie' (). For Santiago, he means that working to gain his Personal Legend, which will bring happiness for him if it is meant to be. Course Hero is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university. Melchizedek relates to the readers possible experiences with beginners luck, by explaining that is a force encouraging the reader to follow his/her Personal Legend. English I Summer Reading The Alchemist: Vocabulary, Literary Devices, Characters, Key Ideas This document is a reference for students who will enter the 9th grade in Fall 2014 and will be enrolled in either English I or English I Pre-AP. Chelsea has a bachelor's degree in biology and works in online content writing. Available on 50-99 accounts. Allegory is a literary device used to express large, complex ideas in an approachable manner. The alchemists pursuit of the Philosophers Stone, which can turn lead into gold, is a metaphor for Paulos transformation from an unenlightened person to someone who has found wisdom and understanding. See terms and apply now - for PayPal Credit, . I'd like you to take me there if you can. The animals also believe that he will protect the flock from wild animals and provide food. According to the conversation of the crystal merchant, everything is pre-ordained or already written. In his quest, he learns to speak the "Language of the World" and discovers the true meaning of alchemy. The play Alchemist is generally considered as one of the most characteristic and best comedy and satire on the vices of the society. Santiago experiences several forms of fear: a childhood fear of having the gypsy woman interpret his dream; a material fear of losing his wealth by departing to Tangier or by joining the desert caravan; the physical fear of dying in the battle at Al-Fayoum; and the spiritual fear that he will fail to turn himself into the wind when the alchemist forces him to try. Just as those who disregard fear appear as enlightened figures, fear dominates The Alchemists weakest characters. Don't know where to start? ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true}); -symbolism: The alchemist and the alchemy he practices are both symbols for Paulos own journey and quest for meaning in life. Terms in this set (42) Simile. Developing and Static Characters in the Alchemist, Fifteen Most Important Questions in the Alchemist. That is why he tells the Englishman that alchemy is not as complicated as he has made. Set in a forsaken church in Spain at night; the young Shepard Santiago tastes the exquisite sensation of a compelling dream. By the method of irony, Coelho is able to appeal to mass amounts of people, as he is advocating for both perspectives. Just as the alchemist must go through many trials and tribulations before he can find the Philosophers Stone, Paulo must also overcome obstacles and learn lessons before he can find true meaning in life.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'benjaminbarber_org-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-benjaminbarber_org-medrectangle-3-0'); -metaphor: The alchemists pursuit of the Philosophers Stone is a metaphor for Paulos transformation from an unenlightened person to someone who has found wisdom and understanding. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. The, selection of devices a writer uses depends on the nature of the story or a writers personal, preferences. The reader is then able to take the next steps toward his/her goal, assured that there is hope. The novel attracts readers and brings them into the shepherd's journey to figure out what treasure he is looking for. The story of his travels and challenges equate to an overall extended metaphor for the reader to follow and reflect upon. Pay the writer only for a finished, plagiarism-free essay that meets all your requirements. Literary Devices in "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. -allegory: The story of the alchemist and his quest is an allegory for Paulos own journey towards self-discovery. Santiagos mentors, from Melchizedek to the alchemist, condemn fear by comparing it to materialism, and they describe it as a product of misunderstanding how the universe treats those pursuing their Personal Legends. Copyright 2023 Literary Devices. Alchemy has had a long-standing relationship with art, seen both in alchemical texts and in mainstream entertainment.Literary alchemy appears throughout the history of English literature from Shakespeare to modern Fantasy authors. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. Literary Terms and Devices in the Alchemist Similes in the Alchemist: Similes are a figure of speech that relate one thing to another. Themes in The Alchemist, a masterpiece of Paulo Coelho, are diverse and temporal. Later, it becomes a Personal Legend of that person. . In other words, his soul is also part of the Soul of the World that is God. Through this story, Coelho is able to demonstrate that achievement and contentment must be balanced. Allegory is kind of like a cross between metaphor (which we'll talk about a little further on) and theme. ' (). Learn more about The Alchemist by reading these mini-essays and suggested essay topics. Imagery 9. Furthermore, over and over again we see that Santiago must communicate with nature in what the novel calls the common language of the world. The alchemist continues to talk to Santiago. It is your utterly own get older to aect reviewing habit. Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+! Extra Facts. pg. Copyright 2023 Literary Devices. Some of the major themes in The Alchemist have been discussed below. In the novel The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, there are multiple prominent themes. I'm Amy, Although Santiago does not claim to be a wise person at first, he learns.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'literarydevices_net-leader-1','ezslot_10',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-literarydevices_net-leader-1-0'); Selfishness is a minor theme of the novel. Many shonen anime always have a meaningful lesson at the core of their series. Page after page makes readers understand that every great thing . If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. Regarded as Coelho's best novel, it captures the elixir of life through the view of a sanguine Spanish Shepard. Hyperbole 8. It appeals to readers from many different backgrounds. american lit. "The Alchemist" is a novel written by Paulo Coelho in 1988. It means that there are practical things he needs to take care of while he is pursuing his big dreams. It is at the beginning the thing that serves as a metaphor for the way life should be. The alchemist is talking to Santiago, warning him about the challenges he will face in the future. He knows that when he wants to get that treasure, it means that it is his destiny. ANTHROPOMORPHISM is a literary device in which human qualities, emotions, and motivations are ascribed to inanimate things VOCABULARY 1. alchemist n. a person who studies or practices alchemy 2. zenith n. the highest point reached by a celestial object 3. muse v. to consider something thoughtfully 4. lame adj. Moreover, the complicated nature of Santiagos relationship with the merchants daughter is seen in his decision of whether to stay with her or follow his Personal Legend. Study Guides, Paulo Coelho and The Alchemist Background. Subscribe now. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. An example of a metaphor in the Alchemist is the relationship between Santiago, the Merchants Daughter, and Fatima. The alchemist also associates the process of purifying metal into gold with spiritual purification. The Englishman also things that Santiagos soul is perhaps too old. In most literature the desert is looked upon as a bad thing that hold dangers and mystery. The Alchemist is Paulo Coelhos most famous book, and has been translated into over 80 languages. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% Senryu begins with a fortune-teller who he summons to interpret his recurring dream while sleeping near a sycamore tree in an abandoned churchs sacristy. It has sold 35 million copies and is widely regarded as the most translated book ever written by a living author. The boy asked the sand then the sand told him to talk to the wind and finally was told to . Sign in|Recent Site Activity|Report Abuse|Print Page|Powered By Google Sites. An example of a metaphor in the Alchemist is the relationship between Santiago, the Merchants Daughter, and Fatima. world and helps Santiago understand that all. The sheep would come to know the reality after the slaughter. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. original papers. The ideas of the Soul of the World, Personal Legends, and mysticism point to the thematic strand of spirituality that runs parallel to other themes in the novel. Sign in|Recent Site Activity|Report Abuse|Print Page|Powered By Google Sites, Literary Terms and Devices in the Alchemist, Similes are a figure of speech that relate one thing to another. This moral is different from the rest, as Coelhos goal has been to inspire the reader to pursue his or her dream, however, Coelho is warning readers to not become too distracted in his or her pursuit that they forgot happiness. Continue to start your free trial. He escaped three times over the course of his three-year stay. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. As he has discovered the treasure he has been after, he now remembers that gypsy woman who told him about this dream and urged him to get it. Literary Devices. . Coelho uses a variety of them in The Alchemist, which help to illustrate the messages he wants to convey. Here, the alchemist believes in himself and knows his destiny. They will take for granted that you are traveling with someone that is 200 years old. Some of the major quotes from The Alchemist are analyzed below. This helps Santiago with his worries traveling during a time of war. Set in a forsaken church in Spain at night; the young Shepard Santiago tastes the exquisite sensation of a compelling dream. It also means all the situations will be in our favor. In his quest, he learns to speak the Language of the World and discovers the true meaning of alchemy. Important things can be lost if they are not taken care of. - Contact Us - Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions, Definition and Examples of Literary Terms, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Quotes. That is why he declares that everything on the face of the earth had a soul. The Alchemist Chapter 13 Summary. It prepares your spirit and your will, because there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, its because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. The Alchemist is a journey of exploration and self-discovery as WebLike the introductory Narcissus story, The Alchemist itself has a message that focusing on oneself can . Subscribe now. He also means that traveling is a good way to get wisdom and treasures. When guiding Santiago, he advises him to be independent and self-reliant, while he himself is involving himself in others paths. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. The book itself is short, only about 200 pages, but its impactful story has struck a chord with many readers across the globe.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'benjaminbarber_org-banner-1','ezslot_11',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-benjaminbarber_org-banner-1-0'); This timeless tale is Paulo Coelhos most famous work and has sold millions of copies worldwide. creating and saving your own notes as you read. The first literary device used was symbolism; it was used to represent things indirectly. Wed love to have you back! As a lonely shepherd that is constantly traveling, he is plagued with the desire to settle down with her, but Coelho includes this pain as a valuable lesson to readers. The main character, Santiago interprets what the "soul of the world" is telling him and goes in search of his treasure. An example of foreshadowing in the Alchemist is the entire prologue before the beginning of the book. 2. For any subject. In most literature the desert is looked upon as a bad thing that hold dangers and mystery. Allegory 2. Is The Inclusive Classroom Model Workable, Gender Roles In The House On Mango Street, Personification In The Fall Of The House Of Usher, Susan Bordo Beauty Re Discovers The Male Body. He claims that the same soul is residing in everything in the universe. He needs to learn it through his day to day simple existence because he wants to get the treasure from the pyramids. Furthermore, his story of the miner demonstrates that one must be persistent to fulfill a Personal Legend. People shouldn't worry about the futurebecauseit hasn't happened yet. . But people like it because they read it when they were young and maybe didn't have the experience reading. And that noheart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of thesearch is a seconds encounter with God and with eternity.. The objectives of the study are to describe the types of the figurative. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! He also reminds readers to not let others opinions persuade us from pursuing our dreams, and not to be concerned with the way they will be viewed by society. Although he feels that he should stay, Fatima urges him to follow his Personal Legend and fulfill his dream. While on pilgrimage, Coelho experienced a spiritual awakening which encouraged him to follow his dream of becoming a writer. Hence, the introduction of love at this point further makes him firm in his resolve to visit the pyramids to find the treasure. He is fascinated and baffled by her but mostly is interested in her because she was impressed that he could read and listened to his stories. Santiago firmly believes that it is pre-ordained, but at the same time, he must strive for that. These quotations are often cited and referenced in various situations. Read key facts, theplot summary, and important quotes. 20% The Alchemist is a journey of exploration and self-discovery as we follow the main character, Santiago, a young shepherd who lives in Spain, on a journey to fulfill his personal legend. Guinness World Record. Refine any search. If Santiago werent united with the Soul and his dreams, he would not have found the treasure. You can view our. Following his first attempt at a novel, The Pilgrimage, Coelho released the second book of The Alchemist trilogy, which debuted with six other novels to become one of the best-selling books of all time. This is also the way he is able to turn into the wind, he had to. Read about how fear functions similarly as a motif in Ayn Rands Anthem. We were all made by the same hand, and we have the same soul. The book is based on Paulos own life experiences and tells the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'benjaminbarber_org-box-4','ezslot_6',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-benjaminbarber_org-box-4-0'); The book has been made into several movies, one being an animated film adaptation released in 2016. -irony: The fact that the alchemist is ultimately able to find the Philosophers Stone, after all his struggles, is ironic. A personal legend is a person 's goal to attain a dream also known as a destiny. The Alchemist Born in 1947 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil He was 38 when his first book was published In 1970 he left law school feeling unfulfilled Traveled through much of South Africa, North America, Mexico, and Europe Returned to Brazil 2 years later and became a songwriter TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. The novel is told in past tense, which provides him with a storyteller presentation, establishing a knowledgeability and trust in Coelho, that make readers pay attention to his blunt and straightforward sentences.