Genre
dramatic fiction, realistic fiction
Setting and Context
Baltimore, 1980s
Narrator and Point of View
Third person, Macon's point of view
Tone and Mood
Darkly realistic with moments of ironic humor
Protagonist and Antagonist
Macon is the protagonist; his grief and indecision are the conceptual antagonists
Major Conflict
Macon and Sarah's separation, as well as the death of their son, Ethan.
Climax
Macon finally decides which woman he wants to be with, leaving Sarah in Paris and opting to be with Muriel instead.
Foreshadowing
The relationship between Julian and Rose is foreshadowed through Julian's sudden interest in joining Leary family dinners .
Understatement
It is an understatement when Macon self-reflects on his difficulty communicating with loved ones: he does not fully realize the extent to which stumbles socially.
Allusions
There are several allusions to the novel "Miss Macintosh, My Darling" by Marguerite Young; it is Macon's favorite travel companion.
Imagery
See the separate "Imagery" section of this ClassicNote.
Paradox
Macon's profession is writing travel guides; yet throughout his life, he has disliked leaving his comfort zone and anything considered "foreign."
Parallelism
While Macon's siblings are suspicious of his new relationship with Muriel; Macon is also suspicious of Rose's new relationship with Julian.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A.
Personification
N/A.
