Genre
Gothic fiction
Setting and Context
In 18th century United States
Narrator and Point of View
The novel is told from a third-person omniscient point of view.
Tone and Mood
The tone is dark, oppressive, and foreboding. The mood is tense and suspensful.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Constantia (Protagonist) vs. Ormond (Antagonist)
Major Conflict
Constantia's struggle against oppressive and patriarchal societal structures (and manipulation from Ormond) is the novel's major conflict.
Climax
When Constantia outwits Ormond, saves her family from financial ruin, and comes into her own as an individual.
Foreshadowing
Constantia becoming financially free is foreshadowed by her father's death and her desire to become independent.
Understatement
The danger Ormond poses to Constantia and other women is understated at the start of the novel.
Allusions
There are allusions to historical events, popular culture, and to religion.
Imagery
Brown uses vivid language to paint an evocative picture of life in America in the 18th century, including disease-ridden homes caused by rats crawling across streets.
Paradox
N/A
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
Beacon Hill is a metonym for the Massachusetts state government.
Personification
The American Revolution is personified throughout the novel, underscoring its importance in everyone's lives.
