Genre
Fiction
Setting and Context
The novel is set in Tudor, UK, in 1543.
Narrator and Point of View
The novel is told in the third person narrative from the perspective of Beth.
Tone and Mood
Realistic and philosophical
Protagonist and Antagonist
The story’s protagonist is Beth, and the antagonist is Mrs. Deardorff.
Major Conflict
The conflict is when Mrs. Deardorff bans Beth from using sedatives and participating in chess games.
Climax
The novel’s climax comes when Beth wins American chess competitions. Beth is one of the most recognized chess players in the world. Since childhood, Beth wanted to experience global recognition, and that chance came when she women the American Open Competition.
Foreshadowing
Beth’s decision to train how to play chess foreshadows her escape from a foster care facility. Later, Beth started getting opportunities to leave the foster home and participate in high school competitions. At last, Beth left the foster care facility and started living alone while participating in international chess competitions.
Understatement
Shaibel’s argument that girls are not fit to play chess is an understatement. Beth’s win in international competitions proved the contrary.
Allusions
Beth’s story in the novel alludes to Linda Scott’s story on the double economy that allows women to exploit their potential.
Imagery
The narrator paints a picture of child abuse when describing how children in the foster care facility intoxicate newly adopted children with tranquilizers.
Paradox
The primary irony is that Mrs. Deardorff burns Beth from playing chess, but she emerges as the best player in the world.
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
The narrator says tranquilizers accompany children to sleep.
