Someday Literary Elements

Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction

The story takes place in modern times with scenes set in various locations throughout the United States.

The story is told from a first-person point of view.

Philosophical, Contemplative, Intriguing

A is the protagonist while the antagonists are the challenges that include the moral and emotional dilemmas related to A's condition and the difficulties in sustaining a stable relationship.

The major conflict in the novel revolves around the existential and emotional challenges posed by the protagonist, A's, unique condition. A wakes up in a different body every day which leads to a constant struggle to maintain a sense of self and identity.

The climax in the story occurs when A briefly inhabits the body of a suicidal individual leading to a life-threatening situation. Rhiannon is forced to confront the complexity and danger of A's condition which puts her own life at risk. This climactic moment highlights the extreme tension and moral dilemmas at the core of the story, forcing the characters to make difficult decisions that have far-reaching implications for their relationship and their understanding of love and identity.

The foreshadowing lies in the protagonist's realization that "It still would have hurt. Any ending hurts." This acknowledgment hints that despite the magical beginning, there will be challenges and emotional pain ahead in their relationship. The foreshadowing sets the stage for the complexities and emotional trials the protagonist and Liam will face as the story unfolds.

An understatement is evident when Nathan says to Rhiannon "I’m only armed with a water pistol." By comparing his capacity to a "water pistol," Nathan humorously diminishes his helpfulness, suggesting that he may not have much to contribute in terms of wisdom or advice.

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“I asked Helmut if I could stay, and even though I didn’t receive an answer, I woke up the next morning still inside his body, still inside his life. I was not intending to stay for long. But days became weeks. Weeks became months. I started to worry about what would be left of him, if I vacated.” This is an image of the protagonist transitioning from one body to another, inhabiting someone else's life each day. It paints a vivid mental picture of the constant shift and impermanence of the protagonist's existence as they navigate the lives of various individuals.

A's existence, waking up in different bodies every day presents a paradox where they have the opportunity to experience the world from countless perspectives yet they struggle to maintain a consistent and enduring identity. The paradox lies in the tension between the transience of A's condition and the desire for a deep, lasting connection.

Parallelism can be seen in the recurring phrase "Even if" that Rhiannon uses to express her persistent desires and feelings. She repeats this phrase multiple times such as "Even if we can’t be together" and "Even if all I get is a hello" to emphasize the strong and unwavering nature of her yearning for A. This parallel structure serves to emphasize the different scenarios in which Rhiannon wants to connect with A.

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“Love may change forms, but it never goes away. Love allows you to pick up where you left off. Absence borrows time, but love owns it." Here, love is personified as if it has human attributes such as the ability to change forms, go away, allow actions, borrow time, and own it.