Question

2 pts One day my father went to visit a friend in hospital and found lots of patients listening to cassettes of Fazlullah’s sermons. “You must meet Maulana Fazlullah,” people told him. “He’s a great scholar.”

“He’s actually a high school drop-out whose real name isn’t even Fazlullah,” my father retorted, but they wouldn’t listen.”

What does the word retorted bring to this anecdote (a short account of an event)? Why might Malala have used this word instead of the word responded?

Answer 1

The word "retorted" adds a layer of intensity and strong emotion to the anecdote. It implies that the father's reply was not merely a casual or indifferent response; rather, it suggests a sense of disagreement, frustration, or indignation. By using "retorted," Malala conveys that her father felt compelled to challenge and correct the misconceptions of those around him, particularly about Fazlullah's credentials and character.

In contrast, the word "responded" would have a more neutral connotation, lacking the confrontation suggested by "retorted." It implies an exchange or reply without the emotional weight of disagreement or sharpness. By choosing "retorted," Malala emphasizes her father's firm stance and the social dynamics at play, highlighting his disapproval of the reverence given to someone he viewed as undeserving. This choice of word enriches the narrative by illustrating the conflict between popular perception and personal belief.