Genre
Modern; contemporary
Setting and Context
New York City in the present day
Narrator and Point of View
Danler narrates the novel in the first-person.
Tone and Mood
The tone is hopeful; the mood is uncertain, yet optimistic.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Tess is the protagonist; Emma is the antagonist.
Major Conflict
The major conflict of the novel occurs when Tess first meets Peter, who is a publisher, and they discuss her recently finished manuscript.
Climax
The climax of the story is reached when Tess is lucky enough to be included in a large group of people that receive a book contract with the publisher.
Foreshadowing
The book contract is foreshadowed by the fact that Peter recommends the book to one of his publisher friends.
Understatement
The importance of pursuing your dream is understated throughout the novel.
Allusions
The story alludes to the real-life experience of Danler to find a book contract while working as a waitress.
Imagery
The imagery of long, tirelessly hours spent writing is present in the novel.
Paradox
N/A
Parallelism
There is a parallel between Stephanie Danler's own life and the journey that Tess goes on.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
The waitresses who are working to improve their lives are personified through the almost-empty wine glass.
