Tattoos on the Heart Literary Elements

Religious novel

The novel was set in the 1980s in Bolivia and Dalores in Los Angeles in religious duties.

The novel is written in the first-person point of view.

Optimistic, encouraging and enthusiastic

The protagonist is the narrator, Father Gregory Boyle.

The major conflict is the realization that gang violence was rampant in the Dalores’ community where father Gregory was stationed. As a result, innocent children and teenagers were carelessly killed.

The climax in the story is attained when father Gregory succeeded in rehabilitating the youth and encouraged them to embrace education. The construction of schools and youth empowerment centers reduced crime and brought order to society.

The arrival of father Gregory in Dalores foreshadowed hope and sustainable future society. Father Gregory's contribution brought positive changes that improved livelihoods and morals.

Changing the rules of the church is an understatement that is confused to align with church matters alone. However, Father Gregory changed church rules to accommodate the youth who thought they were a curse to society because of their violent behaviour.

This novel alludes to the possibility of bringing hope where there is despair. The people of Dalores are at first hopeless, and the community is full of violence. However, the arrival of Father Gregory brings positive change and hope.

The images of the church, funeral presiding and gang members are predominant in the story to depict a sense of sight to readers.

The main paradox is government negligence in providing resources, education and security to its citizens. It is satirical that Father Gregory takes up the role of building schools and educating the youth without the government's support.

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The church is personified as having the ability to change the youth to become moral people in society.