Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind Literary Elements

Non-fiction

The book is set on Earth, and covers the time from when humans gained the ability to reason (about 70,000 BC) to the modern day.

The book is told from Noah Harari's point of view.

Reflective, historical, positive, and contemplative.

Noah Harari doesn't utilize a protagonist-antagonist structure in the book, instead opting to examine human history and the systems humans have created throughout it.

The major conflict in the book involves Harari's attempts to unravel and understand humanity, human intentions, and the history of the species and planet.

Not applicable. This is not a narrative non-fiction novel and doesn't utilize a climax.

Not applicable. This is not a narrative non-fiction novel and doesn't utilize foreshadowing.

Harari frequently understates the breadth of human intelligence and achievement despite seemingly insurmountable odds.

There are allusions to history, popular culture, science, and geography.

Frequently, Harari utilizes in-your-face imagery to underscore the precariousness of humanity's survival odds.

For much of their early history, humans had no oral language, yet dominated the world.

Harari frequently draws parallels between human history and the history of other species, including apes.

The White House is used to refer to the seat of U.S. Government.

Harari frequently personifies things like money, which he equates to a living and breathing religion.