1. Vivid Imagery and Sensory Details: Pelzer masterfully uses imagery to transport readers into his harrowing world. He vividly describes the physical and emotional pain he endured, using sensory details like:
* Sight: "The stench of urine filled the air, heavy and suffocating."
* Touch: "The cold, hard floor felt like a thousand needles pricking my skin."
* Sound: "The silence was deafening, broken only by the faint thrum of the refrigerator."
* Taste: "The bitter taste of fear choked me."
2. Similes and Metaphors: Pelzer employs similes and metaphors to create striking comparisons and highlight his emotional state:
* Simile: "My stomach felt like a knotted rope, twisting and churning."
* Metaphor: "The house was a prison, its walls closing in on me."
3. Personification: Pelzer attributes human qualities to inanimate objects, further emphasizing his feelings of isolation and fear:
* "The shadows in the corner seemed to dance and mock me."
4. Repetition: Pelzer strategically repeats words or phrases for emphasis and to build tension:
* "No, no, no," he whispers, desperately trying to deny the reality of his situation.
5. Juxtaposition: Pelzer contrasts his childhood experiences with the normalcy of other children's lives, highlighting the stark disparity:
* "While other kids played in the park, I was locked in the closet, starving and alone."
6. Symbolism: Objects and actions often hold symbolic meaning in the narrative:
* The "it" in the title: Represents the dehumanization and lack of identity inflicted upon him.
* Food: A symbol of both hope and deprivation, representing the basic human need that was cruelly denied.
7. Irony: Situational irony is evident in the stark contrast between the love and care a child deserves and the abuse Pelzer endured:
* "Mother's Day was a day of terror, not a day of celebration."
8. Flashbacks: Pelzer uses flashbacks to provide context for his present experiences, illuminating the root of his trauma and the long-term effects of abuse.
9. First-person Narrative: The story is told from Pelzer's perspective, allowing readers to experience his thoughts, feelings, and perceptions directly, creating a profound sense of empathy.
These literary devices, combined with Pelzer's raw and honest storytelling, make "A Child Called 'It'" a powerful and unforgettable account of resilience and the human spirit's ability to overcome unimaginable adversity.