The Benefits of Being an Octopus Literary Elements

Contemporary realistic fiction; middle-grade novel exploring themes of poverty, resilience, and self-empowerment.

The novel is set in a small, modern-day rural town in the United States. The story unfolds in homes, schools, and community spaces, reflecting the socio-economic struggles of the protagonist’s life. The context focuses on poverty, domestic instability, and the power dynamics of relationships.

The novel is narrated in the first person by Zoey, a seventh-grader, whose perspective provides an intimate and honest view of her challenges, fears, and gradual self-discovery.

The tone is candid and thoughtful, often tinged with a mix of frustration and hope. The mood varies from tense and oppressive, as Zoey faces challenges, to empowering as she grows in confidence and agency.

The protagonist is Zoey Albro, a resilient and observant girl navigating poverty and difficult family circumstances. The antagonists include the societal and familial pressures that keep her in a cycle of powerlessness, along with personal insecurities she must overcome.

The major conflict revolves around Zoey’s struggle to find her voice and assert herself in an environment of poverty, domestic instability, and complex family dynamics. This is compounded by her fear of speaking out against injustice, both at home and in her social world.

The climax occurs when Zoey confronts the abusive dynamics in her home and takes a stand to protect her family, symbolizing her growth and newfound courage.

Zoey’s frequent comparisons to an octopus—highlighting their adaptability, strength, and ability to protect themselves—foreshadow her eventual empowerment and the steps she takes to regain control over her life.

Zoey often downplays the severity of her struggles, such as her family’s financial instability or her stepfather’s controlling behavior, reflecting her survival mechanism of normalizing her circumstances.

The novel references real-world issues such as poverty, gun control, and abusive relationships, anchoring Zoey’s personal struggles in broader societal challenges.

Braden uses vivid imagery, particularly in Zoey’s comparisons to an octopus, to depict her feelings of vulnerability, her desire for strength, and her ultimate resilience. The chaotic scenes at home and school are also described with stark realism, highlighting her challenges.

Zoey feels invisible and powerless at the beginning of the story, yet her observations and internal strength demonstrate her remarkable ability to persevere and make meaningful change.

Zoey’s growth parallels her understanding of the octopus’s qualities—adaptability, intelligence, and self-defense—mirroring her journey to self-empowerment.

The octopus becomes a symbol for Zoey’s inner strength and potential, representing the traits she admires and aspires to embody.

The octopus is often personified in Zoey’s imagination, serving as a mentor-like figure that inspires her to face her fears and embrace her inner strength.