Literary Techniques for Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons

By: Sara Cardenas Book By: Ann Rinaldi

“ One day I will be someone. And not just poor little Phillis the slave forever. Because fine feathers don’t make fine birds” – Phillis, page 85

When Phillis said, “ Because fine feathers don’t make fine birds.” she was using a metaphor. Meaning, that she will always have the hunger to be free. This draws to the theme of the book keep your determination and spirits high, no matter what.

“His gaze narrowed on me like that of hawk on a field mouse” – Phillis, page 188

This simile proved the theme of the book, Phillis was doubted a lot and under a lot of pressure everywhere she went. Though doubted a lot Phillis showed determination and strength through out the book.

“ You see what I have done Phillis, I have just hung a thousand trees with ribbons” – Mr. Wheatley, page 275

Mr. Wheatley is metaphorically speaking when he says, “ I have just hung a thousand trees with ribbons. In this time era “ hanging a thousand trees with ribbons” was understood as being welcomed home and forgiven.

“ You pretend to be amiable and demure, but you are an independent, ungrateful little baggage.”- Nathaniel , page 251

Nathaniel used a hyperbole to describe how frustrated he was at Phillis. In London Phillis and her secret crush Nathaniel got into a fight because Nathaniel was to wed to a beautiful English woman. Nathaniel than got very mad at Phillis because she left this special dinner just for her, he described her as ungrateful because she brought up her un- existing freedom.

“ I hated the way I looked. I was skinny as a bean pole. And my skin is as black as if I have been rubbed with fireplace ashes. ” – Phillis, page 135

This simile that Phillis used shows the self- consciousness Phillis always had.She knew she would never be White, or have the White characteristics that she admired most. When Nathaniel is to wed to an English woman Phillis becomes jealous of her blonde hair and white skin.

“ No Phillis, I’m sorry. It won’t work anymore. There are things love cannot conquer . This night you have made me a grievous sore. – Nathaniel, page 240This personification is during the scene

when Phillis and Nathaniel are fighting in London. Nathaniel really wanted to show Phillis how much he was disappointed in her. Phillis has caused a lot of anger for Nathaniel and a lot of regret and pain for herself.

“ Her hair was spun gold. The curls spilled down, barely contained by the elaborate fixtures placed in her hair to hold them up.” – Phillis, page 232

When Phillis used a metaphor describing Mary Ebony’s beauty she is described as living in a nightmare. This is what Nathaniel, her secret love, is looking for in a woman. Phillis is very upset and feels even worse about herself.

Irony found through out the book: It is ironic how America was known as the country of the “free”, but still owned slaves.

It is also ironic how soon our fathers in the novel will soon be fighting for their own freedom.

“ Nathaniel is my light” – Phillis, page 236

Phillis also soon has a love connection to her master Nathaniel. The simile she used to describe him shows the reader Nathaniel was there the entire her way, and really is the one who showed her and raised her. Nathaniel means a lot to Phillis, this is why she takes it so hard when Nathaniel is to marry Mary Ebony.

“ This night you have made me a grievous sore. You have undone me.” – Nathaniel, page240

Nathaniel was furious when Phillis fled dinner. He described his anger through a personification. Nathaniel really was shocked at Phillis’ behavior when Phillis found out he was to marry. I probably would have been just as upset as Phillis was if you found out that your secret love was to marry another woman.

In the End…

Ann Rinaldi does an amazing job of describing all the characters. The figurative language just helps imply the message of the book, don’t give up even if your chances are a million in one, even better.