Literary devices
"My room belongs to an Alien "(page 15) What does this mean and what literary device is being used?
This is a metaphor describing how her room seemingly belongs to something foreign, not her. In this way, she shows just how much her room doesn't represent or feel like her.
How is the theme of isolation shown in the novel, provide evidence?
Isolation is shown many times in the novel, you can see it when Melinda is in her closet, which contributes to her deep sadness.
What does this symbolize? "I try to paint them so they are nearly dead, but not totally." (page 30)
It symbolizes Melinda's mental state she feels almost dead with no light, Melinda uses art to communicate how she almost feels dead.
Why does Melinda not feel safe at school?
Andy Evans is the reason she is suffering and at the same time, he goes to her school. Making school an unsafe place.
"There is a beast in my gut, I can hear it scraping away at the inside of my ribs." (page 51) Name two literary devices and what this quote is trying to show.
Pathos, Metaphor, this quotes all the pain and suffering Melinda suffers through, which is pathos, and the mention of the beast is a metaphor for her pain.
How does this quote,"Rachel writes in a heavy, fast hand. WHO DID IT??? I turn the page. Andy Evans.” (Pg. 184), represent a theme
Courage, reliving her trauma and revealing it to someone who used to be hostile towards her, takes a lot of courage and strength.
What does the Maya Angelou poster symbolize to Melinda?
Maya Angelou symbolized the voice of reason and support that Melinda uses during troubled times. It helps make sense of her feelings and thoughts.
Name 5 important settings in the novel, that have an important influence on the novel.
The closet, MISS, School, Hospital, Home.
"Nothing quieter than snow. The sky screams to deliver it a thousand banshees flying on the edge of the blizzard. But once the snow covers the ground, it hushes as still as my heart." (Page 130) What are the literary devices?
Personification, Metaphor, simile and Imagery.
How does this quote represent a theme, "If the cup were lead crystal, I would open my mouth and take a bite." (page 113)
Self-harm shows violence as eating lead crystal is suicide.
What does the hospital symbolize for Melinda, and why does she go there?
Hospitals symbolize safety and healing. Something that Melinda needs desperately. When she goes there she even tries to sleep in the hospital but refrains because she doesn't think she is even sick.
What importance does the setting of the closet have on Melinda?
The closet provides a safe place for Melinda. This is the only place where she is alone and doesn't have to deal with Andy, Rachel and anyone else who is hostile towards her which is most of the school.
"What do they know about the inside of my head? Flashes of lightning, children crying. Caught in an avalanche, pinned by worry, squirming under the weight of doubt, guilt. Fear." (page 157) What literary devices is she using and to what effect?
Imagery, Pathos, personnification. She is using all of these devices to evoke pity and show or describe the inside of her head.
What sort of themes do you believe are represented in the novel, name 5 themes.
Courage, violence, isolation, friendship and guilt and blame.
What symbolism does the tree represent to Melinda?
Regrowth and rebirth, a tree is constantly growing and learning, Melinda sometimes describes herself as her tree, which may also represent memories of her trauma.
How do certain settings affect the tone of the novel, and how the novel progresses.
For example, Melinda's recuperation follows the seasons, for example, she suffers through fall but her darkest hour was winter when Heather ditches her, she even speaks about how much she hates winter. It's only in spring where we see her becoming better helping, Rachel, becoming friends with David and confronting Andy.
"I cross the parking lot and IT comes out the door" (page 96), what literary device is this and why is it used.
Reverse personification, and is used to show that Melinda doesn't view Andy Evans as a human being.
How do themes influence the novel? Give an example.
Themes play an important role in the novel, they help how Melinda develops and represent the problems she encounters after the attack. For example, after experiencing violence at the hands of Andy, we can constantly see this theme pop up again with self-harm and even the desire to kill Andy himself.
How does symbolism help Melinda cope with her assault?
Melinda loses the ability to express herself through words effectively, so the only way she can express herself is through the symbolism of her painting and actions. For example, the painting of her dead trees, and the self-harm symbolize her suffering in a way she is unable to with words.
What importance does the setting have on the story? Provide two examples.
Certain characters wouldn't do certain things in certain settings, for example, Andy and his assault definitely wouldn't have been done at school. Heather acts differently based on the setting, alone she is constantly friendly with Melinda, when the setting changes and they are far more people she stops being kind.