Nature is emphasized in both the illustrations and the text. How are elements of nature described in the beginning of the story compared to how the sea is imagined at the end?

There are many specific, vivid details of life in Homs included in this story. How does the language engage all five senses? What is the effect of this?

Referring to both the figurative language and the visuals, what are the biggest contrasts in the story between the sections before and after what Marwan can remember?