Genre
Novel
Setting and Context
Set in San Francisco in the year 1976
Narrator and Point of View
Third-person narrative
Tone and Mood
Cynic, humorous, and buoyant
Protagonist and Antagonist
The central character is called May Ann Singleton
Major Conflict
The major conflict is when Mary Ann gets into a sexual relationship with Beauchamp Day without knowing that he is married to DeDe.
Climax
The climax comes during Christmas Eve at Anna's gatherings, where most secrets are uncovered.
Foreshadowing
Norman's urge to reveal Ann's early secrets is foreshadowed by his intention to influence the apartment.
Understatement
Edgar's ailment is understated because, at last, it kills him.
Allusions
The story alludes to self-discovery.
Imagery
The gathering scenes at Ann's place during Christmas Eve depict sight imagery.
Paradox
The main paradox is that Edgar is sexually attracted to Anna, but Anna is attracted to Edgar’s son-in-law.
Parallelism
There is parallelism between Ann’s journey of self-discovery and her intentions to safeguard her past.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
N/A
