Literary devices are the most direct way in which an author reinforces the themes of a novel. ... It is the place where the Lambs and the Pickles share their lives for most of the novel, and thus assumes great symbolic importance in the novel. ... Firstly, the note of middle C that recurs throughout the novel in the house is used as a symbol for how family can change lives for the better. ... In this case, the note of Middle C has a harsh, dissonant sound, as it is associated with death. ... The note of middle C that was once disturbing enough to cause Oriel to move into the tent now harkens t...

• Word Count: 1957
• Approx Pages: 8

For many novels an author's choice of title has an impact on the reader's understanding or reaction to the story because it ties in with key events, characters or places in the novel. ... In this novella the title reveals the motif of darkness that is strong throughout the story; " absolutely everything in the book is cloaked in darkness" (Spark Notes, "Themes, Motifs and Symbols"). ... Interestingly the greatest symbol of darkness in the novel, Kurtz, is the product of the Company and Europe. ... In the novella, Heart of Darkness the motif of obscurity is seen throughout...

• Word Count: 937
• Approx Pages: 4

In the novel The Catcher in the Rye, by JD Salinger, Holden has found enormous corruption and vulgarity in society. ... In chapter 16 we have the first reference to the meaning of the novel's title, The Catcher in the Rye. ... Holden notes that the child's parents pay no attention to him. ... In the novel The Catcher in the Rye, by JD Salinger, Holden wishes to be "The Catcher in the Rye" but realizes he cannot fill this position alone. ...

• Word Count: 658
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

It is interesting to note, therefore, that the meaning of the name, "Ralph- symbolizes: good, positive leadership, responsibility, dedication, survival, and means counsel'. Another character in the novel seen as "good- is Simon. ... The last main character in the novel seen as "good- is Piggy. ... Ralph, Simon, and Piggy are all characters in the novel that are seen by readers as "good- and help communicate the themes that Golding tries to show in the novel. ... Perhaps the most evil of the boys in the novel, is Roger. ...

• Word Count: 1386
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

The novel traces this innocence, and its subsequent movement to experience, using Jim Saddler as an example of a regular Australian whose tranquil existence is disrupted by the intrusion of World War 1. ... "Abos," the girls said with cool disgust, as if the rituals being enacted, however violent were ordinary and not to be taken note of." ... At this point in the novel, "winter now on a greasy plain outside the port," Jim has truly arrived at the "dark side of his head." ... At the conclusion, Malouf sums up all his most profound ideas in the novel. ...

• Word Count: 1373
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

Lion (1987) is a novel which takes place in Toronto in the years following the First World War. ... And he himself was noting but a prism that refracted their lives. ... The readers are introduced to this concept of reflecting light even before the novel begins. ... One of many themes in this novel is the search for identity and light. ... Ondaatje embraces aspects of post-modernism, by creating a novel that breaks away from the traditional narrative, thereby giving readers a greater perspective on the novel. ...

• Word Count: 3985
• Approx Pages: 16
• Grade Level: High School

As he says in his note, he had become one of the Seven Days for love of black people, not for any hate of whites. ... The novel, Song of Solomon, is one of self-discovery for Milkman and the subsequent acceptance of the risks of truly living, of taking life as it is and making the most of it, of 'flying', as Morrison presents it. ... The thesis statement of the novel, Song of Solomon, is one of self-discovery for Milkman and the subsequent acceptance of the risks of truly living. ...

• Word Count: 1472
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

Over the course of the novel, Meursault transforms from an indifferent person to an emotionally aware being. ... In his prison cell, he begins, out of boredom, to think about his room at home, "mentally noting everything there was on the way" (78). ...

• Word Count: 1329
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

On an additional note, his signature move, the 619, was a phenomenal acrobatic feat in itself. ... Influenced perhaps by comic books filled with high flying superheroes, pulp novels, video games, and action movies, this man decided to become someone else, to serve his melodramatic fantasy, to serve and understand the events in his own life. ...

• Word Count: 1723
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School