127 Hours - Aron Ralstion

• Between a rock and a hard place


  An idiom that foreshadows the protagonist will find himself in a predicament where any decision he makes will be a difficult one
• Firsthand account


  • The protagonist will inform the reader of what takes place and explain climbing terminology
  • Describe the unfolding situation and emotions experienced when things turn for the worst
• The narrative starts with a detached tone, no emotion from the protagonist
• Another


  Suggests this is something the protagonist has done before
• The protagonist uses mathematical language and measurements to give the reader a clear vision of the environment and convey information about himself as a careful, experienced climber
• The word 'claustrophobic' creates suspense but the protagonist does not seem nervous at this point
• Stemming/Chimneying


  A climbing technique where the climber uses the friction between their body and the walls to move up or down a narrow crevice
• If the protagonist can step onto the chalk stone

  He'll have a shorter descent
• The protagonist uses active voice, suggesting he feels in control of the situation
• The narrative shifts from active to passive voice, indicating the protagonist has lost control
• The falling boulder


  Consumes the sky, personifying it as in control rather than the protagonist
• Fear takes control of the protagonist's actions, shown through the use of passive voice
• The protagonist's options become very limited, highlighted by phrases like "my only hope"
• Time appears to slow down for the protagonist, suggesting he is in shock
• Harsh, violent verbs like "smashes", "crushes", "tears" convey the pain the protagonist is experiencing
• Alliteration like "yank my left arm back" emphasises the harsh sounds and pain
• The protagonist's disbelief and panic take over, shown through passive voice and dialogue
• The protagonist desperately tries to free his trapped arm, clinging to a possibly fictitious story for inspiration
• The protagonist's attempts to free himself are ultimately futile, emphasised by the short sentence "nothing"