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  • Essay / Literary Devices in the Novel There Are No Children Here

    Table of ContentsImagerySymbolismForeshadowingPoint of ViewConclusionIn 1991, Alex Kotlowitz published a non-fiction book titled "There Are No Children Here" . The book tells the story of two brothers, Lafeyette and Pharoah Rivers, who grow up in the Henry Horner Homes, a public housing project in Chicago. Using literary devices, Kotlowitz paints a vivid picture of the poverty, violence, and despair that plague the lives of the residents of the public housing complex. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayImageryOne of the literary devices used in the novel is imagery. Kotlowitz uses vivid descriptions of the physical environment of the Henry Horner Homes to express the poverty and despair of the residents. For example, he describes the buildings as "gaunt and gray" and "ravaged by fire and neglect." He also describes the streets as "littered with trash and broken glass" and the playground as "a concrete wasteland." These descriptions create a powerful image of the poverty and despair in the residents' lives. Additionally, fire imagery is also used as a symbol throughout the novel. The frequent fires in the project symbolize the destruction and chaos that ravage the lives of the residents, and are also used as a metaphor for the violence and destruction that ravage the community. Symbolism Another literary device used in the novel is symbolism. Kotlowitz uses the image of the River brothers' mother, LaJoe, as a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Despite the many challenges she faces, such as poverty, abuse and neglect, LaJoe remains determined to give her children a better life. She works hard to provide for them and is always there for them when they need her. Her strength and determination are a powerful symbol of hope in the midst of despair. Likewise, the idea of ​​being trapped is also used to symbolize the larger theme of being trapped in a system of poverty and neglect. The River brothers, like most residents of the public housing complex, are trapped in a cycle of poverty, with no real opportunity to improve their lives. The Henry Horner Homes public housing project is also used as a symbol throughout the novel. The dilapidated and dilapidated buildings symbolize the poverty, neglect and despair of the residents, and the project is also a symbol of the larger problem of poverty and inequality in America. ForeshadowingKotlowitz also uses foreshadowing in the novel. It gives clues to the potential outcome of the story, hinting at the potential tragic events that could happen to the Rivers family. For example, he describes the dangerous and violent neighborhood they live in and the constant threat of violence they face. The reader has the feeling that the situation is not going to improve and that the constant threat of violence and poverty will continue to weigh on the Rivers family. Point of viewFinally, the author uses the point of view of the two brothers in the story to giving the reader a personal connection to the characters and the events happening around them. The novel is written in first person and we see the world through the eyes of Lafeyette and Pharoah Rivers. This point of view allows the reader to see the world as the brothers see it, and to understand their thoughts and feelings. By using the first person point of view, Kotlowitz is able to convey the raw emotions and experiences of the brothers and create a sense of intimacy and.