Genre
Historical Fiction, Young Adult fiction
Setting and Context
First Century, in Galilee
Narrator and Point of View
The point of view is that of Daniel, a young man whose parents have been killed by the Romans
Tone and Mood
Angry, vengeful, hate-filled, fearful, warlike, ultimately redemptive.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Daniel is the protagonist; the antagonists are the Romans
Major Conflict
There is conflict between the rebel army and the Roman soldiers.
Climax
Daniel is re-acquainted with Leah, converts to Christianity and forgives the Romans, ultimately allowing a Roman into his house.
Foreshadowing
The crucifixion of Daniel's father foreshadows his mother's death from a broken heart.
Understatement
N/A
Allusions
The story alludes to the Roman government's brutality and their use of crucifixion as the punishment for even the smallest of infractions.
Imagery
The imagery is very vivid and portrays a vibrant Galilee which enables the reader to imagine what life would have been like at the time for young people like David.
Paradox
David and Leah have both lost their parents due to the brutality of the Romans, but Leah is able to forgive immediately and even becomes enamored of a Roman, whereas Danial hates the Romans and joins the rebels in trying to defeat them.
Parallelism
There is a parallel between David's conversion and his willingness to forgive.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
The Romans encompasses all Roman soldiers, government and ruling class of Galilee
Personification
N/A
