The first part of the passage sets up the situation. The victim’s in a tight fix. Things could go wrong at any moment. Our rescuer senses the danger. The victim is dealing with the situation, but needs help!
The sea sprang and snatched at the man on the rope like a beast with white teeth. Sometimes, where the rope sagged lowest, the waves swept him right under. Storm Boy could feel the shock and shudder of the line as the water thundered round it. But the man managed to snatch a breath between waves and he always rose up safely again on the rope.
If you’ve completed the other lessons in this course, you’ll notice some of these regular features of Colin Thiele’s writing:
Check these examples.
The fire licked and lashed towards the teenager in the abandoned factory like a snake hissing, ready to attack. At times, when the fire found new fuel, the flames completely covered him from view. Amelia could see them growing as the building was steadily consumed. But the boy managed to scramble from room to room keeping two steps ahead.
The floodwater surged and spun the minivan, with the woman trapped inside, like someone stirring a spoon in coffee. As the van met the deeper current, muddy water frothed over the windshield. Xavier fought the flow, trying to get his kayak close without overshooting. Despite the mud and sticks over the windshield, he could see the woman struggling to get a door open.
