Analyzing Texts: Kashmir vs. Qazigund

 Within the excerpts from An Area of Darkness taken from Scraps of Wool, the writer discusses his experiences with two different places in India.  This piece’s interesting diction and coherent structure creates a distinct effect on the reader.

Within the first paragraph, the author describes what he witnessed in Kashmir.  The writer described the morning sky as a “milky blue.”  The adjective milky is attributed to something that is clouded and nearly opaque.  Therefore, it is inferred that the morning sky is misty and has a thin sheet of cloud cover, adding to Kashmir’s relaxed and beautiful feel.  The writer also constantly refers back to the “coolness” of Kashmir by describing the “snow-capped” mountains and people with “brown blankets” and “caps and covered ears.”  This gives the reader a feeling of refreshment and rejuvenation.  The writer also references the “yellow mustard fields” and the “steep wet rocky slopes” of the mountains.  This contrast paints a serene picture of the landscape and shows Kashmir’s purity.  This creates a feeling of peacefulness for the reader.

However, when the writer begins discussing Qazigund, the mood felt by the reader completely changes.  The writer discusses how there was “dust in the sunlight” while in Qazigund.  Although it creates a hazy effect similar to the milk, the feeling is different.  The dust is impure and dingy.  This makes the reader feel as though they have to breathe harder to get air and makes the reader dislike the area.  The writer uses the word “disorder” to describe the market.  This chaotic environment makes the reader feel the tension of the situation.  Smell also adds to the stuffy and dirty atmosphere, as the air smells like “tobacco, cooking oil” and “human excrement.”  This makes the reader cringe and feel disgusted.

Structure is highly important to the mood felt by the reader when examining this excerpt.  This piece is written in prose and consists of two paragraphs.  This adds to the effectiveness because it leads the reader on a journey and engages the reader.  It also breaks up two different areas with distinct features and feelings.  It is highly important that the writer described Kashmir first because it showed what a beautiful place is supposed to look like and conveys serene and peaceful feelings.  Then, when the writer begins talking about Qazigund’s dirty environment, there is a profound effect on the reader.  Because of the drastic shift, beautiful Kashmir seems even more pristine and dirty Qazigund seems even more soiled and tarnished.