All Boys Aren't Blue Literary Elements

Memoir (bibliography)

Set in Plainfield, New Jersey, and Virginia and written in the context of racism and sexual identity.

First-person narrative

The mood is informative, and the tone is uplifting.

George M. Johnson is the protagonist, and the antagonist is his male cousin.

There is a conflict between the protagonist's sexual identity and the harsh environment. When Johnson is sexually abused by his male cousin, he starts to question his sexuality.

The climax comes when Johnson accepts that he is transgender and learns the significance of self-love. Acceptance is critical for people struggling with sexual identity.

Johnson’s self-acceptance is foreshadowed by the love he received from his extended family while growing up. The people around Johnson inspired hope, enabling him to accept reality and move on with life.

George understated the possibility of being sexually abused by his cousin. At first, Johnson did not know that his cousin was transgender.

The story alludes to the challenges Johnson goes through in society because of his sexual identity.

Johnson's childhood experiences are described using sight imagery which helps readers see how he struggled with his sexual identity. The scenes at school are vivid to help readers visualize the level of intimidation and discrimination he experienced.

The main paradox is that Johnston is sexually abused by his male cousin. Johnson trusted his cousin, knowing that he was a family member who could protect him against any form of harm. On the contrary, his cousin turns out to be a molester and sexual predator.

N/A

The N-word is used as a metonymy for racial slur and discrimination intended to make black people see themselves as inferior to whites.

The University is personified as the freedom provider that allows Johnson to accept his transgender identity. The university gives Jonson hope and inspiration to continue fighting for his rights.