Genre
Non-Fiction
Setting and Context
Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 2007-2008
Narrator and Point of View
Told from a third-person point of view
Tone and Mood
Sad, Solemn, Desperate, Chaotic, Mysterious, and Energetic
Protagonist and Antagonist
The 8 families detailed in the book (Protagonists) vs. their dire financial circumstances (Antagonists)
Major Conflict
The 8 families struggle to survive harsh financial circumstances
Climax
This is a non-fiction book and doesn't have a climax.
Foreshadowing
This is a non-fiction that doesn't utilize foreshadowing.
Understatement
The extent to which rent prices effect an entire person's world - from school to work choice - is understated in the book
Allusions
To the history and geography of the United States, popular culture, religion, and to social sciences (like sociology).
Imagery
Desmond uses fiery and intense imagery to underscore the misery the families mentioned in the book are going through.
Paradox
N/A
Parallelism
Each of the families stories are paralleled in the book.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
Dope = some kind of drug; particularly narcotics
Personification
Homes are often personified in the book.
