Jerusalem Literary Elements

Jerusalem Literary Elements

Genre

Drama/Comedy

Language

English

Setting and Context

St. George's Day - Pewsey, England, 2009

Narrator and Point of View

POV is that of Johnny

Tone and Mood

Comedic and Dramatic

Protagonist and Antagonist

Protagonist is Johnny. Antagonists are Fawcett, Parsons, Troy, Ginger

Major Conflict

Johnny is being evicted either peacefully or by force in order to make room for homes to be built as the community believes his behavior is inappropriate. And, Phaedra, a local 15 year old girl has gone missing.

Climax

Phaedra has been hiding in Johnny's caravan. Troy brands Johnny with an 'X' on each of his cheeks. Johnny calls out a curse upon anyone who would come and take his land and spill his blood. He bangs the drum of the giant as he calls on his ancestors to rise up with him.

Foreshadowing

Fawcett and Parsons issuing the eviction notice foreshadows the conflict that is to come in a forceful eviction.

Understatement

It is understated that Phaedra has run away from home because of abuse by her stepfather, Troy.

Allusions

The play is an allusion to nature being destroyed in the name of progress. And, also an allusion to the home life of kids no longer being safe.

Imagery

Johnny banging the drum calling on his ancestors to rise up from the dead.

Phaedra and Johnny dancing before Troy beats and brands him.

Paradox

Dawn takes Marky back because Johnny is high. Paradoxically she does cocaine before she leaves.

Parallelism

Fawcett and Parsons videotaping the eviction notice at the end of the play parallels them doing the same at the opening.

Personification

Johnny becomes the personification of an outsider when he is branded by Troy.

Use of Dramatic Devices

Johnny gives a monologue to his son, Marky at the end of the play in order to let him know how special he is and how much he is needed by society.

Update this section!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this section.

Update this section

After you claim a section you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.

Cite this page