Genre
Non-Fiction
Setting and Context
the United States of America
Narrator and Point of View
Told from Rothstein's point of view
Tone and Mood
Historical, Mysterious, Solemn, Sad, and Disappointing
Protagonist and Antagonist
There is no clear protagonist/antagonist structure in the book, although governments which promote racism are portrayed in a negative light.
Major Conflict
Because this isn't a narrative novel, it doesn't really have a conflict which drives the story. However, there is a fair amount of conflict evident between African Americans and a government which promulgates racist policies.
Climax
This is a non-fiction book and does not have a climax.
Foreshadowing
This is a non-fiction book that does not utilize foreshadowing.
Understatement
The complicity of many average citizens in profound racism is understated throughout the film.
Allusions
To the history and geography of the United States, popular culture, sociology, religion, mythology, and social sciences.
Imagery
Rothstein uses intense imagery to underscore how horrible the forced segregation was in America.
Paradox
N/A
Parallelism
The story of many African-Americans how tried to get homes is paralleled in the book.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
Suits = Government officials
Personification
The metropolis is personified throughout the book.
