Genre
Memoir
Setting and Context
Syracuse University, New York (Alice's college)/Pennsylvania (Alice's home)
Narrator and Point of View
Told in first person, from the protagonist and writer Alice Sebold's perspective
Tone and Mood
Even though Lucky deals with a very sensitive subject, rape, Alice tells it in a very discordant and simple way. The mood of the book ranges from mostly empty (how Alice felt about the rape at the beginning) verses more hopeful (at the end, when she has recuperated).
Protagonist and Antagonist
Alice would be the protagonist, and the antagonist could arguably be the rapist George Madison.
Major Conflict
The major conflict is undoubtedly Alice being raped by the man in the park, later revealed to be George Madison. This is resolved in a court case, she suffers emotional trauma, and the rest of her life is greatly affected as well, from her friends and family, to how strangers perceive her.
Climax
In the court case, when Alice is asked to identify her rapist. It is a very tension-laden scene, as she identifies him incorrectly.
Foreshadowing
From the very first few pages, detailing the rape, there is a great amount of foreshadowing about Alice's character and how she will deal with the emotional shock of the event. For example, she is a very blunt and candid person, but also a person with a determined will to survive no matter the costs.
Understatement
Some scattered examples throughout, mainly for sarcastic effect, though some are employed by Alice's father aimed at her in malice.
Allusions
Lucky is a candid allusion and accurate portrayal of Alice Sebold's real life experience of being raped.
Imagery
The book has a very minimalistic style, but through its candid statements, we get a very thorough picture anyways. For example, through Alice's frank inner thoughts, we can ascertain the emotional turmoil she is going through.
Paradox
Is rape a sort of death, even though she didn't actually die? Alice explores this idea over the course of the book.
Parallelism
Alice sees herself in Lila, her roommate, after she is raped as well.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
In court, they refer to the rape as "the incident" or "the assault".
Personification
Alice's inner emotions are personified into living things, like demons physically tearing her apart.
