Genre
Coming-of-age
Setting and Context
Sologne in France during the early 20th century
Narrator and Point of View
Francois Seurel, in the first-person
Tone and Mood
The tone is mysterious and captivating; the mood is powerful and romantic.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Augustin is the protagonist; Yvonne is the antagonist.
Major Conflict
The major conflict of the novel occurs when Augustin runs away from his school to the party where he first meets Yvonne.
Climax
The climax of the story is reached when Frantz attempts to commit suicide after Valentine fails to turn up to their wedding party.
Foreshadowing
The determination of Augustin is foreshadowed by his strong upbringing.
Understatement
The role that love plays in our future lives is understated throughout the novel.
Allusions
The story alludes to the importance of never giving up on your dreams.
Imagery
The imagery of the mysterious, yet enticing party is present in the novel.
Paradox
N/A
Parallelism
There is a parallel between Francois' role as a school teacher and his willingness to care for the baby girl.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
The desperation of Augustin is personified through the overthrowing vines of the château walls.
