Out Of Nowhere

“But you still have choices, no matter how big or small your luck quotient is.”

This quote employs juxtaposition to contrast “luck,” often perceived as an external, uncontrollable factor, with “choices,” symbolizing personal agency and control. This contrast highlights the influence of personal decisions in shaping one’s destiny, but it also illuminates the disparities in socio-economic conditions. It suggests that while luck may dictate certain aspects of one’s life, especially in the context of socio-economic divides, the power of choice remains a crucial, equalizing factor, offering a path to navigate and potentially overcome these divides.

“But when Saeed kicked that ball, I swear: someone guided it.”

This quote uses personification, as the ball appears to be under some external, supernatural control. This literary device enhances the impact, suggesting a force beyond skill influencing Saeed’s pass, and imbuing the scene with a sense of destiny. “I swear,” adds a layer of hyperbole, emphasizing Tom’s awe and disbelief at Saeed’s skill, thereby elevating the action from a simple soccer play to a moment of extraordinary significance and connection.

“Sometimes he surprised me and came up with a string of English that made you think he could speak the language. Other times he faded and I couldn’t tell if he was just not getting the words or avoiding a topic.”

By placing Saeed’s moments of linguistic clarity against instances of reticence or confusion, Maria Padian highlights the challenges faced by non-native speakers in adapting to a new language. The use of indirect