Nectar in a Sieve | Style

Nectar in a Sieve Style

Figurative Language

Throughout Nectar in a Sieve Markandaya uses a variety of literary devices to bring her story to life. Her inclusion of insightful similes (a figure of speech used to compare two unlike things), welldesigned allegories, and vibrant imagery enable Western readers to understand and enjoy this novel whose setting, people, and culture are completely unfamiliar. These devices also help the reader to connect with the events of the book through the universality of the experiences and images.

Markandaya frequently uses similes. When Rukmani recalls running through her garden when she was pregnant, she says, "I realized I must have looked like a water buffalo, running in such a frenzy." In an extended simile, Rukmani remarks,

Nature is like a wild animal that you have trained to
work for you. So long as you are vigilant and walk
warily with thought and care, so long will it give you
...
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