Genre
Literary Fiction
Setting and Context
The story takes place in Philadelphia and Bonaparte.
Narrator and Point of View
It is narrated in third-person from the perspective of Ava and in first-person from Dutchess’ point of view.
Tone and Mood
The tone is serious and hopeful. The mood is sad.
Protagonist and Antagonist
The protagonist is Ava Carson. The antagonist is Abemi Reed.
Major Conflict
The major conflict is Ava Carson's struggles with her abusive husband, Abemi Reed. Abemi wrongly accuses Ava of an affair and evicts her and their son, Toussaint. This triggers their homelessness and desperate search for stability. Ava battles to rebuild her life while facing financial hardship, trauma, and societal challenges.
Climax
The climax happens when Ava loses sight of Toussaint and realizes he has wandered into a potentially dangerous tunnel.
Foreshadowing
The miserable situation they find at the Glenn Avenue Family Shelter foreshadows the difficulties Ava and Toussaint will face during their stay.
Understatement
An understatement is used when Ava says, "I’ve been seeing things," which downplays her mental and emotional distress.
Allusions
The novel makes cultural references including music such as “This Bitter Earth” popularized by Dinah Washington and the song “You Make Me Feel Brand New.”
Imagery
The mention of "livid purple wings" spreading around Ava's right eye vividly paints a picture of the bruise she suffered. Also, the description of the bruise being "blood-red" intensifies the imagery. The frozen peas offering relief contrast with the harshness of the bruise
Paradox
The juxtaposition of Ava's determination to create a good life for her son and the harsh reality of their current living situation.
Parallelism
Ava and Dutchess both contend with the challenges of motherhood. Ava struggles to provide for her son while Dutchess has a tumultuous relationship with her.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
n/a
Personification
The phrase "Sun thumped the top of Toussaint’s head" contains personification. In this case, the sun is being described as if it can hit someone.
