Genre
Psychological fiction novel
Setting and Context
Set in 1965 in London
Narrator and Point of View
Third-person narrative
Tone and Mood
Disheartening, and informative
Protagonist and Antagonist
The protagonist is the unnamed young woman who is also the narrator.
Major Conflict
There is a conflict between the narrator and the information regarding the death of her sister, Veronica. The narrator does not believe that her sister died a natural death. According to the available reports, Veronica threw herself off a bridge. However, the narrator doubts these allegations and decides to investigate the matter under the disguised name Rebecca Smyth.
Climax
The climax comes when the theatrics of Braithwaite is brought to light. Braithwaite has a good career and positions himself as a role model in the upper class who has made it. Still, in reality, the unnamed author discovers that he is an ordinary man compelling circumstances to look unique and appealing.
Foreshadowing
Her father's selective love foreshadows the narrator's shyness. According to the narrator, Veronica was her father's only child.
Understatement
The author underestimates the ability of Braithwaite to be responsible for the death of Veronica.
Allusions
N/A
Imagery
The scene in which Veronica throws herself off the bridge depicts the sense of sight. The imagery represents the inability of Veronica to absorb shock in her life. Throughout her life, Veronica is considered her dad's girl, and she cannot make her own decisions. When stressed, she thought the best option was to commit suicide.
Paradox
The primary paradox is that Braithwaite lives a lie, and he knows it. Despite having a good career, he is hopeless and treats his clients carelessly. Consequently, Braithwaite is arrogant and incompetent.
Parallelism
There is a parallelism between the narrator’s decision to be bold and disguising herself as Rebecca when she sets to investigate her sister's death.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
An edifice of psychiatry is used as a metonymy for hopelessness.
Personification
N/A