Man vs Society: (Jacob vs Society {In the nursing home})
- Jacob, who is in his 90's, struggles to fit in with the society as he does not get along with people really well. In the nursing home Mr.Jankowski believes that the society tries to protect the elderly by hiding their problems. This is shown through many situations. One such example is when Mr.Jankowski tries to fight against his nurse and the doctor, as he does not want to sallow his medicines. However, his attempt is unsuccessful as he is forced to take it regardless. Moreover, the nurse injects him with a sleeping drug, despite the fact that he was unwilling to take it. (pg 68-69)
- Jacob, who is in his 90's, struggles to fit in with the society as he does not get along with people really well. In the nursing home Mr.Jankowski believes that the society tries to protect the elderly by hiding their problems. This is shown through many situations. One such example is when Mr.Jankowski tries to fight against his nurse and the doctor, as he does not want to sallow his medicines. However, his attempt is unsuccessful as he is forced to take it regardless. Moreover, the nurse injects him with a sleeping drug, despite the fact that he was unwilling to take it. (pg 68-69)
Man vs Self (Mr. Jankowski (Old Jacob) vs Jacob (Young Jacob))
- Sara Gruen continuously goes back and forth (present to past) to show the different opinions he had during the past and the opinion he has in his present situation.
- Jacob verses himself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Since older Jacob can not handle himself physically, his old age and all the medicines he takes causes him weakness. On the other hand, young Jacob was physically fit and strong. Mentally, older Jacob forgets a lot, especially names while young Jacob was mentally strong. Emotionally, older Jacob has a internal conflict as he does not have his wife's support neither do his children support him as they rarely give him a visit. Even though young Jacob lost his parents, he is able to enter a new world and forget his past memories by joining the circus. Old Jacob wishes he still had the physical, mental, and emtional capablility as he did when he was young.
- Sara Gruen continuously goes back and forth (present to past) to show the different opinions he had during the past and the opinion he has in his present situation.
- Jacob verses himself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Since older Jacob can not handle himself physically, his old age and all the medicines he takes causes him weakness. On the other hand, young Jacob was physically fit and strong. Mentally, older Jacob forgets a lot, especially names while young Jacob was mentally strong. Emotionally, older Jacob has a internal conflict as he does not have his wife's support neither do his children support him as they rarely give him a visit. Even though young Jacob lost his parents, he is able to enter a new world and forget his past memories by joining the circus. Old Jacob wishes he still had the physical, mental, and emtional capablility as he did when he was young.
Literacy Devices
Symbolism: The train tracks are a symbol of Jacob's life, to keep moving forward, never going
back.
Rosie is a symbol of strength and determination as Rosie never gives up despite
August's cruel behaviour towards her.
Poverty symbolizes the Great Depression.
Allusion:"Benizi Brothers, the summer of 1931, that's probably the most famous circus
disaster of all time"(Gruen 324)
This was a real circus, in the 1930's during the depression the circus shut down.
Foreshadowing: "The Disaster March, means something's gone bad - real bad"(Gruen 2)
There is a prolong in the novel that indicates to the reader that something bad
is going to happen.
Imagery: Imagery is used in many different sections, it is used to describe the circus, the
gruesome depression, and how the train travels with everyone.
Flashbacks: These are used throughout the book, Jacob keeps on going to the present back to the past when telling his story.
back.
Rosie is a symbol of strength and determination as Rosie never gives up despite
August's cruel behaviour towards her.
Poverty symbolizes the Great Depression.
Allusion:"Benizi Brothers, the summer of 1931, that's probably the most famous circus
disaster of all time"(Gruen 324)
This was a real circus, in the 1930's during the depression the circus shut down.
Foreshadowing: "The Disaster March, means something's gone bad - real bad"(Gruen 2)
There is a prolong in the novel that indicates to the reader that something bad
is going to happen.
Imagery: Imagery is used in many different sections, it is used to describe the circus, the
gruesome depression, and how the train travels with everyone.
Flashbacks: These are used throughout the book, Jacob keeps on going to the present back to the past when telling his story.