Genre
Novel
Setting and Context
Set in Nova Scotia
Narrator and Point of View
Third-person narrative
Tone and Mood
Disheartening, sad, buoyant
Protagonist and Antagonist
The central character is Kevin O'Brien.
Major Conflict
The main conflict is when Kevin's mother decides to leave her family to marry another man. According to Kevin's mother, Judd is an alcoholic and physically abusive. Therefore, Kevin is neglected, and he tries to find his purpose in life.
Climax
The climax comes when Kevin decides to concentrate on his studies besides the challenges facing him, such as bullying and family obstacles. Kevin believes that he will be successful in life.
Foreshadowing
Judd's addiction foreshadows the decision by Martha to get married to another man to alcohol and physical abuse.
Understatement
Marital life is understated. Martha and Judd find out that they can no longer live together.
Allusions
The story alludes to the negative impacts of domestic violence.
Imagery
The author uses sight imagery when he describes Kevin's journey to school. In the morning, Kevin sees the devastating effects of the rain on crops and sees a sawmill and wonders how it works.
Paradox
The main paradox is that Judd is an irresponsible father who does the contrary. Instead of loving his wife and son, Judd abuses them physically and emotionally.
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
Alcoholism is used as a metonymy for havoc and destruction.
Personification
N/A
