Literary techniquesBy Jack Lechman

Quote: “Like Midwinter’s children everywhere, you spread a cloud of rancor.” Pg. 81

This quote means that Halli is a downer. It means he always frowns upon things. In the book Katla said this to Halli because she thinks he frowns upon everything even things that are good for him.

Quote: “I am far less smelly than Leif, whose passing makes the pigs go pale.” Pg.81

This means that Leif smells horrible and even pigs who smell bad are going to cringe at his scent. Halli said this about Leif because a couple days before this Halli kicked him into a pile of dung.

Quote: “And because you have the skill of making the past live,” Pg. 83

This means that Brodir lives in the past and because of this he makes things that have happened in the past happen again. Arnkel said this to Bordir because he was about to get into a fued with another house and they used to do this in the olden days.

Quote: “, but as he did so Brodir gave a roar of rage and grappled him from behind,” Pg. 101

This means Brodir shouted because he was infuriated. Brodir did this because he and Olaf got into a fight to the death.

Quote: “Despite his slenderness, Brodir proved himself no weakling; his arm circled Olaf’s neck as if it were a band of iron;” Pg. 101

This means that eventhough Brodir is a thin man he has the great strength in his arms. Brodir did this to Olaf because they were in a battle to the death.

Quote: “He ran around the side of the stable, past where Ragnar sat like a statue upon his horse, staring at the fight with puffy eyes;” Pg. 102

This means that ragnar sat on his horse and didn’t move at all so he looked like a statue. Ragnar was doing this because he was dazed form looking at Olaf, Hord, and Brodir fighting.

Quote: “, crashing down agents the wooden wall so that his breath was driven from him and white lights swirled against his eyes.” Pg. 102

This means that Halli hit the wall so hard he lost his breath. Halli lost his Breath because he tried to stop Hord from killing his father and he got thrown against the wall.

Quote: “Just stood by as the House sprang into action.” Pg 110

This means that the House was full of commotion. Halli said this because he was asleep and he was hearing a big ruckus.

Quote: “His mothers voice was shrill and furious; it cut across the muted hubbub of the room so that all activity stopped.” Pg. 111

This means that Halli’s mom’s voice traveled across room. Halli’s mom screamed because she was mad that Halli wanted to make a sword.