Help me with this sentence

Karen, welcome to A2K. To what "term" are you referring?

I don't need help with the term. I just need help understanding what I'm suppose to do.

3) Discuss how the authors use of the term contributes to the larger meaning of the novel.

Well, dear. First, you say "help me with this sentence", and then you want to know how some term relates to the novel as a whole. That's a bit conflicting. Just name the term, then I will try and help you.

Ok here's an example.

Imagery:
1. The use of language to evoke a picture or a concrete sensation of a person, a thing, a place, or an experience.
2. "He was never describe to me, but I pictured him as slight of body and huge of head, with eyelids swollen from lack of sleep, face pale, lips dry, the veins showing blue along his cheeks and temples." (4-5)

Now I have to explain how the authors use of the term contributes to the larger meaning of the novel.
But I don't understand what they mean by how it contributes to the larger meaning of the novel. Like, are they saying, how it adds onto the story or something?

Ok, Let's examine the term "imagery". Do you see a picture in your head of the character? Does he come to life by the use of excellent expressions and vocabulary? Do you feel that young man's pain as he is exiled by his Jewish family for comparing his mother's problems to the crucifixation of Jesus?

Look at the title. Asher Lev is from a very orthodox Jewish family. It explains his entire life with an understatement. His name is what the conflict is about. He is brilliant, and wants to paint, but his family is opposed.

Ok now I understand. Thanks so much for helping. I'm sorry if I seemed confusing at first, 'cause I was pretty confused myself! But thanks again. Now I know what to do.

Letty, you're a Good Woman.

Thank you, Noddy. Let's hope our young honors student does well on her essay.