Pale Horse, Pale Rider Literary Elements

Novel

The story is set in the 20th century in the context of the 1918 influenza pandemic.

First-person narrative

Subdued, aggrieved, disheartening, gloomy

The main protagonists are Miranda and Adam.

The major conflict is the outbreak of the influenza pandemic, which resulted in the death of Adam. Miranda was also a victim of the pandemic, but she survived to tell the story.

The climax is when Miranda recovers from an influenza attack but unfortunately realizes that the man who took care of her while sick died of the same disease contracted from her.

Miranda's uneasy feelings foreshadow the death of Adam Barclay.

Dreaming is understated because it is not all about good things. For instance, Miranda’s dream is horrifying.

The story alludes to the worst time in history when the world battled with the influenza pandemic.

Miranda's picture at the bath tap in Adam's place is a depiction of sight imagery.

Miranda and Maria are paradoxical characters because they behave like adults while they are very young girls.

Miranda’s actual life parallels what she sees in her dreams.

N/A

The influenza pandemic is a personified monster that took the lives of many people.