Genre
Novel
Setting and Context
The novel is set in the 1940s in Montreal.
Narrator and Point of View
Third-person narrative
Tone and Mood
Sad, violent, resentful
Protagonist and Antagonist
Florentine Lacasse is the protagonist of the story.
Major Conflict
The major conflict is when Jean impregnates Florentine and dumps her because she comes from a disgusting low-income family.
Climax
The climax is when Florentine accepts Emmanuel’s marriage proposal.
Foreshadowing
Florentine's flirting behavior with Jean without proper background checks foreshadowed her unceremonious separation from him. When Jean realizes that Florentine is poor, he engages in sex with her and then dumps her.
Understatement
The statement on Florentine's mother's pregnancy is understated. Florentine is a grown-up person with several siblings, but her mother gives birth to more children.
Allusions
The story alludes to poverty. For instance, no one wants to be associated with poverty. When Jean realizes that Florentine is poor, he no longer wants anything to do with her.
Imagery
There is historical imagery that depicts sight when the author describes urban industrialization. For instance, the author indicates that Montreal is smoggy due to pollution from the industries.
Paradox
The main paradox is when Florentine is judged by Jean based on her living conditions. Consequently, Jean is not after Florentine's love but material things. When Jean realizes that Florentine is poor, he abandons her for good.
Parallelism
Florentine’s family’s story about poverty apparels the inhabitants of Montreal who live in a polluted environment.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
N/A
