SYMBOLISM / MOTIFS / METAPHORS / IMAGERY / SYMBOLS

Other elements that are present in this novel are symbols and metaphors. Symbols are the use of some unrelated idea to represent something else. Metaphors are direct comparisons made between characters and ideas. There are many symbols and metaphors used by the author such as:

1.) When Jamie sits on the floor at the orphanage on Christmas Eve with a sleeping child on her lap, she is...........

KEY FACTS

Title
A Walk to Remember

Author
Nicholas Sparks

Date Published
1999

Meaning of the Title
It refers first to the walk Jamie Sullivan makes down the aisle to marry Landon, in spite of the fact that she is so gravely
ill. With her own personal strength and the desire to fulfill her love, she makes the longest walk anyone could ever make. The title also refers to the metaphorical walk we all make trying to find the right way to live our lives. Finally, it also refers to the way Landon Carter came of age to become a wonderful man, because of Jamie's love for him.

Setting
Beaufort, North Carolina in 1958 and 1959.

Protagonist
Landon Carter, who comes of age under the influence of a strange, but wonderful young girl.

Antagonist
The greatest antagonist is Landon's inner being against which he fights to change and become a better person. Perhaps another antagonist could also be Death, the end we all must face, and because we face it, we must learn to live a worthwhile life.

Mood
At times, the mood is tragic, filled with despair, and very sad; at other times, it is uplifting and hopeful; finally, it is a triumphant commentary on the human spirit.

Point of View
First person (Landon is telling the reader the story of the events between him and Jamie Sullivan in Beaufort, North Carolina, in 1958 and 1959.)..........

 

The complete study guide is currently available as a downloadable PDF, RTF, or MS Word DOC file from the PinkMonkey MonkeyNotes download store. The complete study guide contains summaries and notes for all of the chapters; detailed analysis of the themes, plot structure, and characters; important quotations and analysis; detailed analysis of symbolism, motifs, and imagery; a key facts summary; detailed analysis of the use of foreshadowing and irony; a multiple-choice quiz, and suggested book report ideas and essay topics.