The Difference Engine Literary Elements

The Difference Engine Literary Elements

Genre

Novel

Setting and Context

Set in the late 19th century and written n the context of invention and technology

Narrator and Point of View

Third-person narrative

Tone and Mood

Informative and heartening

Protagonist and Antagonist

The central character is Charles Babbage.

Major Conflict

There is a conflict between the structure of the old aristocratic rule and the new social elite rule that embraces technology.

Climax

The climax is when Britain becomes a true titan, using the most modern and sophisticated technology in its military. For instance, supercomputers are used in programming and controlling military equipment making the country powerful.

Foreshadowing

The end of aristocratic rule in Britain was foreshadowed by introducing an elite group of leaders who embraced technology.

Understatement

Charles Babbage's contribution to modern technology is understated. Despite his name not being a household name in technological inventions, Babbage introduced the analytical engine, which later developed to form sophisticated technologies.

Allusions

The story alludes to the origin of technology and modernization.

Imagery

The imagery of British history dominates the book. The imagery is reflective and takes back readers over hundred years when Britain had not started using computers. Later, the invention of the computer paints a picture of modern Britain.

Paradox

The paradox of technology is evident in the text. Technology is good, and people are embracing it not only in Britain but globally. Ironically, climate change has largely been influenced by the advancement of technology.

Parallelism

The great stink is parallel to London’s Smog of 1952.

Metonymy and Synecdoche

N/A

Personification

Technology is personified as working as a human mind.

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