Daughter of Venice Annotations

Donna Jo Napoli uses a combination of metaphors, similes and imagery to drag the reader’s attention into the book, Daughter of Venice.

In chapters 11-15 of this book, there are varieties of similes used to describe the characters’ actions or feelings. “Instead, Messer Cuttlefish has a massive book, so massive that it has to be wheeled around when it’s not sitting on a shelf. He stands over it like a guardsman.”(143) This is a phrase representing a simile comparing the tutor, Messer Cuttlefish, to a guardsman. Donna especially chose a guardsman to use for this simile because it shows him guarding the book from Donata, which signifies that most girls are not allowed for education. Another simile can be found on page 147, where it focuses on Donata and her life. “So on Saturday I work like a madwoman, doing both my share of the chores and Laura’s.” This quote refers to Donata as a madwoman. I think the author did this because Donata is mad herself to take a dangerous risk to go out, dressed as a boy, working and making handbills. This also signifies that Donata is different from all the other girls and that she has a very out-going personality. However, her elder sister, Andriana has a different personality from Donata. “In any case, Andriana sounds like a paragon of modesty, which is much better than if she had actually played a second tune perfectly.”(150) This phrase shows that Andriana is a true lady and the author used this simile because the fact that Donata is referring to Andriana as a paragon of modesty, Donata knows that she is not lady-like herself. Her heart, however, is very lady-like towards Noe. “Noe puts his hand on my shoulder. The effect is like the shock of cold mountain water when we swim in summer.”(155) Donna compares Noe’s hand to the shock of cold mountain water. My interpretation is that Donna did this as an effect of foreshadowing. Sooner or later, Noe will be shocked by the fact that Donata is a girl and Donata will be shocked at how she likes Noe.

Donna Jo Napoli also uses some metaphors to express characters’ emotions. “Messer Zonico is a seppia-an ugly cuttlefish.” This quote compares Messer Zonico to an ugly cuttlefish and shows Donata’s feelings towards the tutor. The author used an ugly cuttlefish for this simile to represent the setting of the book. Since the setting is the Canal Grande, there are some cuttlefish and referring to Messer Zonico as an ugly cuttlefish shows Donata’s anger towards not being able to have rights.

Imagery is a great way to give a visual picture in the readers’ minds. “The first morning light breaks over the roofs across the Canal Grande. I watch it gradually filter through our room, lighting up the painted white and green walls, bringing to life the plaster flowers and ribbons and tassels that decorate our ceilings.” This phrase shows the beautiful morning in Venice and the glowing of sunlight in the Canal Grande. The readers can imagine the wonderful rays of sunlight gradually spreading out through Venice. Donna uses the morning light as a representation of hope and dreams increasing of Donata. This quote really creates a very beautifully image of Venice. Another imagery can be found on page 143. “Then his tight little mouth wrinkles along the upper lip and his cheeks puff.” This is an imagery of Messer Zonico’s facial expression. This quote is specifically detailed and creates a great image in the reader’s mind as if you could copy his facial expressions yourself.

Donna Jo Napoli uses metaphors, similes and imagery to help the reader get more interest into the book and have good visual views of the book and the characters.