a verb in smile by raina telgemeier

Lussy04

2 min read

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23-01-2025

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The Power of a Smile: Verbs in Raina Telgemeier's Smile

Raina Telgemeier's graphic novel, Smile, is a poignant coming-of-age story told through the lens of a young girl's experience with a serious dental accident. While the narrative focuses on Raina's emotional journey, the effective use of verbs plays a crucial role in conveying her experiences, both physical and emotional. Analyzing the verbs in Smile reveals how Telgemeier crafts a powerful and relatable story.

Action Verbs: Depicting the Physical and Emotional Trauma

The graphic novel opens with a pivotal action verb: falling. This seemingly simple verb sets the stage for the entire narrative. Raina's fall and subsequent dental injury are not merely described; they are shown through dynamic panels and impactful verb choices. The verbs used to describe the accident—stumbling, crashing, breaking—immediately establish the severity of the event and the lasting impact it will have.

Beyond the initial accident, Telgemeier uses action verbs to highlight Raina's struggles with the long and arduous process of dental reconstruction. Verbs like waiting, preparing, enduring, and recovering showcase the physical and emotional toll the surgeries and treatments take. These verbs aren't just describing actions; they are conveying the passage of time, the feeling of helplessness, and the overwhelming nature of the experience.

We see Raina grimacing, wincing, and crying – verbs that depict her physical response to the pain. But equally important are verbs describing her emotional responses: dreading, fearing, hoping, and longing. These verbs effectively convey the complex emotional landscape of a young girl facing a significant physical challenge.

Linking Verbs: Highlighting Transformation and Internal States

While action verbs dominate the narrative of Smile, the use of linking verbs is also noteworthy. These verbs are subtly used to show the changes in Raina's state of being. We see her become more self-conscious, grow more resilient, and remain determined. These verbs reflect her internal transformation throughout the ordeal. They highlight her emotional growth and journey towards acceptance.

For instance, her emotional state frequently shifts. She might feel anxious, seem withdrawn, or appear confident. These linking verbs connect her internal emotional states to the external reality depicted in the panels.

Mental Verbs: Exploring Raina's Inner World

The use of mental verbs is vital in allowing the reader access to Raina's thoughts and feelings. Telgemeier skillfully employs verbs like thinking, remembering, wondering, and imagining. These verbs allow us to experience the story through Raina's perspective. They give insight into her insecurities, her hopes, and her fears. This access to her internal world creates a deep empathy within the reader.

For example, Raina might remember the carefree days before her accident, or imagine a future where she's comfortable with her smile. These mental verbs bridge the gap between the present reality of her dental issues and the longing for normalcy and self-acceptance.

Conclusion: Verbs as the Building Blocks of Emotion

In Smile, Raina Telgemeier's masterful use of verbs is more than just a grammatical element. It's a powerful tool for storytelling, creating a vivid and emotional narrative. By carefully selecting action verbs, linking verbs, and mental verbs, Telgemeier creates a powerful connection with the reader and effectively conveys the physical and emotional struggles of a young girl overcoming a significant life challenge. The story wouldn't be nearly as impactful without the precise choices made in verb selection, demonstrating their crucial role in conveying both the external events and the internal emotional turmoil central to Smile.