The Harder They Come – What is the writer doing for effect?
He’s talking about those who suppress others and how they will get their comeuppance. He uses several techniques for effect. Repetition is used to emphasise his triumphant message in the chorus. He also uses metaphors “pie in the sky” to express the idea of an unachievable dream, and “living as a puppet or a slave” to suggest the idea of being manipulated or suppressed. This he contrasts with the opposite concept of being “free” even if it means dying to be so. He also uses the metaphor “battle” to emphasise the warlike nature of his conflict with those who try to bring him down. The author also quotes Jesus’s words on the cross to give weight to his message “forgive them Lord they know not what they’ve done”.
