Genre
Fictional novel
Setting and Context
The book is written from the narrator's perspective.
Narrator and Point of View
Third-person narrative
Tone and Mood
Sad, somber, pessimistic,
Protagonist and Antagonist
The protagonist is Jack Worthy.
Major Conflict
The main conflict occurs when Thomas elopes with his wife’s sister after becoming becomes pregnant for him.
Climax
When Herriot learns that her relationship with Thomas is illicit, she falls into consumption and dies. Later, her suitor also commits suicide.
Foreshadowing
Their incestuous relationship foreshadows Thomas and Harriot's tragic ending.
Understatement
Thomas understated Worthy’s advice to make his relationship with Harriot public. Later, Thomas faces the harsh reality of his illicit relationship and commits suicide.
Allusions
The story alludes to the punishment of illegitimate relationships.
Imagery
Epistolary writing is the main imagery in the text. For instance, the author writes, “ONCE more let me entreat you, my dear friend, to arm yourself with every virtue which is capable of sustaining the heaviest calamity. "Such expression of imagery aids readers in visualizing the plot of the novel and the setting.
Paradox
The main paradox is the illicit relationship between Thomas and Harriot.
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
'Illicit' relationship is an intoxication that can lead to death at any point, as demonstrated in Thomas and Harriot’s sexual affair.
Personification
N/A
