Genre
A travel journal
Setting and Context
The book was written in the context of love.
Narrator and Point of View
First-person narrative
Tone and Mood
Adventurous, optimistic, heartening
Protagonist and Antagonist
The protagonist is James Boswell
Major Conflict
Boswell often gets into conflict with his travel partner because they do not agree on several things he needs to document in his journal.
Climax
The climax is the confrontation between Boswell and Lady Macdonald because he ends up loving her.
Foreshadowing
Boswell's fondness for Lady Macdonald foreshadowed his confrontation with Sir Alexander.
Understatement
Travelling for adventure is understated in the text. Besides documenting daily observations, Boswell and Johnson realize that nature is beautiful.
Allusions
The story alludes to the love for nature and travelling.
Imagery
The appreciation of Edinburg by Boswell depicts sight imagery. The description of the live-in Edinburg helps readers to see the beauty of the city and its hospitality.
Paradox
The main paradox is that Johnson accepts Boswell's partner in touring different places, but he often bemoans arguing that they should settle in one place. Therefore, there are unending confrontations and conflicts between Johnson and Boswell as they achieve their goal.
Parallelism
Johnson's satirical character parallels the sacrifice for travelling.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
Edinburg city is personified as accommodating and welcoming.