Genre
Classic novel
Setting and Context
The novel is written in the context of love.
Narrator and Point of View
Third-person narrative
Tone and Mood
Romantic, intriguing, fascinating, sanguine
Protagonist and Antagonist
Robert Burton is the central character in the book.
Major Conflict
The conflict is that Robert Burton is living in the desert alone, looking for gold. Besides leading a solitary life, Robert is plagued by demons. The most fearsome demon is the woman Burton wronged and disowned.
Climax
The climax is when Burton meets Jonas Warren in the desert, and he discovers that he is the father of the woman he disgraced and sometimes wronged back. Burton confesses that he is the man who wronged Warren's daughter.
Foreshadowing
The demons that hunted Burton foreshadowed the appearance of Warren in the desert.
Understatement
The love of Burton to his daughter and wife is understated. For instance, before Burton and Warren perished, he left a letter indicating that the available gold was given to his daughter, Nelly. Similarly, he left his marriage certificate there to show his love for his wife.
Allusions
The story is an allusion to the challenges that face love relationships.
Imagery
The imagery of wilderness is dominant throughout the text. The story is set in the desert where Burton is looking for gold. The description of the desert depicts sight to readers, and they can see the setting and plot of the book.
Paradox
The main paradox is that Warren is quick to forgive Burton after he confesses that he is the one who wronged and disgraced his daughter. Instead of being enemies, Burton and Warren become good friends before they perish.
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
The marriage certificate left by Burton is a metonymy for love that he still felt towards the woman he wronged and disgraced.
Personification
N/A
