She was a large woman with a large purse

Question

that had everything in it but hammer and
nails. It had a long strap, and she carried it
slung across her shoulder. It was about eleven
o’clock at night, and she was walking alone,
when a boy ran up behind her and tried to
snatch her purse. The strap broke with the
single tug the boy gave it from behind. But the
boy’s weight and the weight of the purse
combined caused him to lose his balance so,
instead of taking off full blast as he had
hoped, the boy fell on his back on the
sidewalk, and his legs flew up. The large
woman simply turned around and kicked him
right square in his blue-jeaned sitter. Then
she reached down, picked the boy up by his
shirt front, and shook him until his teeth rattled.
After that the woman said, “Pick up my pocketbook,1 boy, and give it here.” She still held him.
But she bent down enough to permit him to stoop and pick up her purse. Then she said, “Now
ain’t you ashamed of yourself?”
Firmly gripped by his shirt front, the boy said, “Yes’m.”
The woman said, “What did you want to do it for?”
[1]
1. another term for purse or handbag
1
. figure language

Answer 1

The excerpt you provided is rich with figurative language and vivid imagery. Here are some examples of the types of figurative language and descriptions present in the text:

1. Imagery: The opening description of the woman creates a clear mental image. Phrases like "large woman with a large purse" evoke a sense of her physicality, while "that had everything in it but hammer and nails" suggests that her purse is filled with various items, reinforcing her characterization as someone who is prepared for anything.

2. Hyperbole: The phrase "everything in it but hammer and nails" is an exaggeration that humorously suggests the purse contains an improbably large number of items.

3. Personification: The purse is almost given a life of its own, as it becomes a central object around which the action revolves. The way the woman interacts with it gives it a bit of personality, emphasizing its importance.

4. Colloquialism: The dialogue includes informal language, such as "ain't you ashamed of yourself," which adds authenticity to the characters and their interactions.

5. Simile and Metaphor: While none are explicitly stated in the excerpt, the comparison of the boy’s fall to losing balance can be seen as a metaphor for his impulsive and ill-advised actions.

6. Dialogue: The exchange between the woman and the boy reveals character traits and adds tension to the scene. Her authority and his shame are both effectively conveyed through their conversation.

Overall, this text illustrates the encounter between the woman and the would-be thief with humor and strength, highlighting themes of justice and consequences for one’s actions. If you would like a more detailed analysis of a specific aspect or additional interpretations, feel free to ask!