Genre
Novel
Setting and Context
The novel is set in Guadeloupe, France, written in the context of French background.
Narrator and Point of View
Third-person narrative
Tone and Mood
Somber and disheartening
Protagonist and Antagonist
Francis Sancher is the story’s protagonist.
Major Conflict
The main conflict is that Sancher dies and leaves people sad and disappointed. Sanches had lived for a few days with the community, but he made a significant impact.
Climax
The climax comes when it is revealed that Sancher’s death is a curse that ran through his ancestors. People from Sancher’s lineage died at the age of 50.
Foreshadowing
Sancher’s death is foreshadowed by the curse deeply rooted in his family origins.
Understatement
The goodness of Sancher in the Guadeloupe community is understated. Despite coming to the community as a stranger, Sancher was welcome with open arms, and he positively impacted society.
Allusions
The story alludes to the positive virtues of an individual who makes a positive impact on society.
Imagery
Sight imagery in the text is painted by the comments made in the eulogy of Sancher. Every moaner gives an account of how they interacted with Sancher, and this helps the reader understand why he left a positive legacy behind.
Paradox
The main paradox is that despite the Guadeloupe community being xenophobic, they welcome Sacnher, a stranger.
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
Death is a metonymy for separation from good virtues.
Personification
Sancher's deeds are humanized as everlasting.