Genre
Novel
Setting and Context
The novel was written in 1895.
Narrator and Point of View
Third-person narrative
Tone and Mood
Romantic, adventurers, heartening
Protagonist and Antagonist
Annie Lockwood is the protagonist of the story.
Major Conflict
The main conflict is the completion of Stratton's love by Lockwood and Harriet. Both Harriet and Lockwood love Stratton, but he is not aware Harriet secretly loves him. Consequently, Harriet is jealousy of Lockwood because she is closer to Stratton.
Climax
The climax comes when the mystery is resolved. For instance, Ada is arrested, and Clarence dies. Both Ada and Rowwel were scheming to kill Harriet and steal all her money. However, their evil plans were uncovered, and Harriet survived the planned murder.
Foreshadowing
Harriet’s planned murder was foreshadowed by Ada and Rowwel’s greed for wealth.
Understatement
Annie’s love for Stratton is understated. The reader realizes that Lockwood wanted adventure, romantic parties and exploring the world, but not a love relationship.
Allusions
The story alludes to human greediness for wealth.
Imagery
The imagery of time is evident from the title of the novel. Since the book is a travel narrative, the reader is taken to the past and reflects on Lockwood's romantic journey and experiences.
Paradox
The main paradox is that Lockwood goes to the Victorian house with Sean to show him its value but travels to the past alone for adventure and to study aesthetics.
Parallelism
There is parallelism between Harriet and Lockwood’s love for Stratton.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
Greediness is personified as the driving force for human evil.