How to Pronounce Knife

Souvankham Thammavongsa

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 2020

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Summary

Background

Story Analysis

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

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Discussion Questions

Literary Devices

Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is contrast, the act of placing two opposing images next to each other to highlight their differences. In “How to Pronounce Knife,” juxtaposition frames Joy’s family as different from other characters. Joy stands out at school, but remains defiant in the face of hostile classmates. Her family’s immigrant, socioeconomic, and racial identities also set them apart. For example, Joy’s family’s “otherness” contrasts with her white, wealthy classmates—who are considered the norm in their community.

Repetition

Repetition is the repeated use of an image or word. In “How to Pronounce Knife,” Miss Choi frequently pins important notes to Joy, only for them to be discarded by Joy’s mother. This cycle reinforces the two women’s preferred forms of communication (i.e., written and spoken), and with them, the perpetual nature of their miscommunication. Scent is also repeated throughout the short story. Joy’s father always smells of paint thinner because of his job, and Joy’s lunches, made by her mother, elicit teasing from classmates because of their strong smell. These two scents linger, which is reinforced by their repetition.