The author is comparing Facebook to a high-school reunion. Alexie is trying to say how Facebook reconnects you to everyone you know, those you like, hate, and maybe loved. These lines are also a good example of the sonnet style with its rhyming scheme.

This line can be an example of Connotation. The father isn't actually harming the child but the word beat makes it seem worse than it actually is.

Are they playing or is this a little more serious?