Small Things Like These Literary Elements

Historical Fiction.

1985; New Rose, Ireland

Third-person narrative.

Ardent, Buoyant, and reflective.

The central character is Furlong.

There is a major conflict between Furlong and the Convent. Furlong feels sorry for the girls suffering in the convent, whose influence is powerful and unchallenged. Furlong wants to take the risk and face the superior nuns to defend the suffering girls.

The climax comes when Furlong at last talks to Mother Superior about the plight of the girls in the convent. Sister Carmel’s discussion with Furlong reveals the challenges the girls are going through in the convent.

Mrs. Wilson's influence on Furlong foreshadows his courage and compassionate heart.

Eileen and Mrs. Kehoe underestimate the ability of Furlong to help the girls escape from the convent. Aileen adds that Furlong should mind his business while Mrs. Kehoe reminds him of the powerful network and influence of the convent. However, these stop Furlong from facing the nuns head-on.

The story alludes to inhumane acts of religious institutions that purport to serve humanity. However, behind the scenes they do the contrary. The nuns in the convent subject girls to slavery and use them for commercial purposes.

The novel opens with the author depicting the sense of sight to readers when she describes the town of New Ross. She says the smoke from the chimneys and the River Barrow is dark and swollen because of the heavy rains.

The primary paradox in the novel is that the convent that is supposed to nurture girls and support them is doing the contrary. For instance, one of the girls from the convent approaches Furlong and tells him of the suffering they go through in the convent. It is unbelievable that the nuns, who are supposed to act in a Godly way, are doing exactly the opposite.

n/a

n/a

The convent is personified as an oppressor of the disadvantaged.