Table of ContentsIntroductionGary Soto's use of literary devices to convey themeImageryRepetitionBiblical allusionsConclusionReferencesIntroductionGary Soto's autobiographical work, "A Summer Life," provides readers with a vivid insight into a pivotal moment in his childhood when he stole a pie. Through his meticulous use of imagery, repetition, and biblical allusions, Soto masterfully conveys the emotional upheaval he experienced after committing this transgression. The author's primary goal is to elucidate the complex emotions that grip an individual when committing a wrongdoing, with the ultimate goal of deterring others from making similar choices. Throughout his narrative, Soto adopts a guilt-ridden tone, designed to resonate with individuals contemplating immoral actions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Gary Soto's Use of Literary Devices to Convey Theme Images In this story, Soto uses a rich tapestry of images to rationalize his youthful act of pie stealing, providing readers with profound insight into the depths of his emotions. He describes his sensations through these vivid images, creating a palpable backdrop against which his story unfolds. For example, he paints a picture of the kitchen, stifling with heat and teeming with “crazy flies”. This imagery evokes a feeling of hellish torment, with the flies symbolizing the lingering guilt arising from his pie theft. Even when he seeks refuge from this guilt by crawling under the house, the flies continue to haunt him, effectively reminding him of his transgression. The concept of hell carries considerable weight, especially in the child's mind, intensifying the feeling of remorse. In his vain attempt to rid himself of his guilty conscience, Soto crawls under the house and stays there until he is cold. Coming out from under the house, he dusts off his pants and squints in the harsh light, symbolizing a rebirth of sin and the removal of his guilt. These sample images emphasize the themes of forgiveness and relief from the guilt that Soto experiences after stealing the cake. By painting these vivid images, he allows readers to share the depth of his emotions, providing them with an overall understanding of the tone of the story. seriousness of his emotions and actions. Throughout the story, he returns to these themes again and again, weaving them into the very fabric of his story. For example, he states that "your hands are dirty," a simple but evocative phrase that constantly reminds us of the lingering stain of sin on his hands, a stain recognized by his friend Johnny. He further states, "I was holy in almost every bone," employing religious terminology to emphasize his belief in his essential holiness despite having committed sin. Soto uses this rhetorical device several times, emphasizing the dichotomy of his emotions: his awareness of the crime he has committed and his attempts to justify it with the irresistible lure of the cake. As he gets older, he recognizes his transgression more deeply, making these recurring statements an integral aspect of his narrative. These deliberate repetitions engage the reader by drawing attention to their inner conflict and the lasting impact of their actions. Biblical Allusions Additionally, Soto weaves biblical allusions into his narrative to validate his actions and highlight the profound impact of his guilt. By referencing biblical stories and concepts, he frames his own experience within a broader moral and spiritual context. For example, he does.