Introduction: In George Alagiah's "A Passage to Africa," the author employs a blend of language and

structure to evoke sympathy from the reader. Through vivid imagery and emotional storytelling, Alagiah
illuminates the harsh realities of conflict and famine in Somalia, inviting the reader to confront the
human cost of such crises.

P2: Alagiah's use of literary devices enhances the emotional impact of the narrative. Descriptive
language, such as when he describes Amina's loss, "No rage, no whimpering, just a passing away,"
creates a vivid and saddening image of her suffering. Moreover, sensory details, like the description of
the elderly woman's festering wound and the putrid air she breathes, immerse the reader in the scene,
evoking a instinctive response to the characters' dilemma.

P3: The story of Amina Abdirahman and her daughter Habiba serves as a pivotal point of the narrative,
deeply affecting the reader. Alagiah portrays Amina's grief and despair with raw emotion, stating, "By the
time Amina returned, she had only one daughter. Habiba had died." This portrayal provokes profound
sympathy from the reader, highlighting the devastating consequences of hunger and neglect on innocent
lives.

P4: Additionally, Alagiah depicts the suffering of an elderly woman abandoned by her family, her
festering wound symbolizing the physical and emotional decay formed by conflict. Alagiah's description
of the woman's rotting leg and the putrid air she breathes emphasizes the human suffering endured by
individuals like her, convincing the reader to confront the harsh realities of war and displacement.

P5: Alagiah also critiques the sensationalism of journalists who seek out shocking stories for their own
gain. He writes, "The search for the shocking is like the craving for a drug." Through this critique, Alagiah
challenges the reader to question the ethics of journalism and consider the impact of sensationalized
reporting on the lives of those portrayed.

P6: The overall structure of "A Passage to Africa" further enhances its emotional quality. Alagiah divides
the narrative into distinct paragraphs, each focusing on different aspects of human suffering. For
example, he describes the encounter with the elderly woman in one paragraph and the critique of
sensational journalism in another. This structured approach allows for a gradual unfolding of the
narrative, building tension and emotion with each new detail revealed.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, George Alagiah's "A Passage to Africa" is a powerful exploration of human suffering and
resilience in the face of conflict and famine. Through vivid imagery, saddening storytelling, and a
structured narrative, Alagiah invites the reader to empathize with the individuals whose stories are often
overlooked or sensationalized by the media. Ultimately, "A Passage to Africa" challenges us to confront
our own attitudes towards suffering and privilege, urging us to recognize the humanity in those who are
disregarded and forgotten.