Genre
Biography
Setting and Context
Set in the 1980s in Italy.
Narrator and Point of View
Written in first-person narrative
Tone and Mood
Informative, cheerful, and overwhelming
Protagonist and Antagonist
The central character is Lina Poletti and the antagonist is the government that puts Lina behind bars for being a feminist.
Major Conflict
There is a conflict between Anna Kuliscioff and the government authorities across Europe. When Anna learns the basics of humans, she starts educating fellow women on the significance of fighting for their rights. She starts her feminism campaign in Kyiv but is forced to escape the country using a fake passport. While in Switzerland, Anna is arrested and questioned by authorities to explain why she is telling women that they are not the property of men. Similarly, predicaments befall Anna in France, where she is expelled.
Climax
The climax comes in 1886 when Anna graduates with a medical degree and proves to women that they can do anything in society given equal opportunities. She becomes the first woman to practice pathology and acts as a role model for young women aspiring to be independent.
Foreshadowing
The publication of Sibilla’s Una Donna manuscript foreshadowed her assurance to face the world dominated by men with confidence.
Understatement
Cordula Poletti’s sister underestimated her ability to be a force to reckon with when she was a young girl with a contrary view on everything they discussed.
Allusions
N/A
Imagery
Sight imagery is depicted when Poletti climbs a tree to watch over the tombs of poets. The author writes, "From the heaven of leaves she looked out over the cemetery. The tombs of poets were wreathed in laurel and etched in glorious verses, while the graces of the ordinary listed as their only accomplishments the names of children produced or spouse bereaved. This sight imagery is significant because it depicts the ambition of Poletti to shake the ordinary. Poletti is ambitious and wants nothing less than to be a famous poet to help her voice her opinions concerning women's rights.
Paradox
The main paradox is that Anna is a feminist who dupes authorities to get a way to advance her feminist agenda. When she is arrested in Switzerland, she sweet talks to the authorities, and they let her go to continue her mission. Anna uses similar tactics in France before she is expelled.
Parallelism
There is a parallelism between Poletti’s decision to go against her father’s and to attend university. Later, she became an accomplished feminist according to her plans.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
Dry goods are used as metonymy for waste.
Personification
N/A
