Essay Questions

How does Jeff VanderMeer use the literary element of personification?

Personification is one of the vital literary elements that the author has used in this book to ensure the full engagement of readers. For instance, the object called Borne can speak and protect Rachel. When rival children attack Rachel, Borne kills them and assures her maximum protection. Similarly, the biological creatures engineered in the company are personified and given the ability to behave like ordinary people.

Why is Wick warning Rachel to be cautious with Borne?

Wick was an employee of the Biotech Company who created a biological creature that ruled the town early. The company later collapsed, but the elements of its creative work behind the curtains to gain influence and control the city again. Wick suspects that Borne is a biological creature evolving to cause havoc later. Therefore, Wick warns Rachel about Borne and reminds her that she keeps a time bomb. However, Rachel has fallen in love with Borne, and she is not ready to let him go.

How does the author illustrate the post-apocalyptic world's impulsiveness and viciousness?

The author figuratively uses Mord's character to show the post-apocalyptic world's unpredictability and cruelty. Mord is a flying bear giant who terrorizes the city residents by killing anybody who opposes him. The city’s citizens are scared of being crushed by the giant’s feet whenever he walks around. Therefore, Mord symbolizes the powerful that oppress the poor in society.