Case Study Literary Elements

Psychological fiction novel

Set in 1965 in London

Third-person narrative

Disheartening, and informative

The protagonist is the unnamed young woman who is also the narrator.

There is a conflict between the narrator and the information regarding the death of her sister, Veronica. The narrator does not believe that her sister died a natural death. According to the available reports, Veronica threw herself off a bridge. However, the narrator doubts these allegations and decides to investigate the matter under the disguised name Rebecca Smyth.

The climax comes when the theatrics of Braithwaite is brought to light. Braithwaite has a good career and positions himself as a role model in the upper class who has made it. Still, in reality, the unnamed author discovers that he is an ordinary man compelling circumstances to look unique and appealing.

Her father's selective love foreshadows the narrator's shyness. According to the narrator, Veronica was her father's only child.

The author underestimates the ability of Braithwaite to be responsible for the death of Veronica.

N/A

The scene in which Veronica throws herself off the bridge depicts the sense of sight. The imagery represents the inability of Veronica to absorb shock in her life. Throughout her life, Veronica is considered her dad's girl, and she cannot make her own decisions. When stressed, she thought the best option was to commit suicide.

The primary paradox is that Braithwaite lives a lie, and he knows it. Despite having a good career, he is hopeless and treats his clients carelessly. Consequently, Braithwaite is arrogant and incompetent.

There is a parallelism between the narrator’s decision to be bold and disguising herself as Rebecca when she sets to investigate her sister's death.

An edifice of psychiatry is used as a metonymy for hopelessness.

N/A