The protagonist of a story is the main character who traditionally undergoes
some sort of change. He or she must usually overcome some opposing force.
Susie is the protagonist of The Lovely Bones. She presents her
story as the narrator and observer of how life changes in a family where
a murder takes place. She gives us a deep understanding of each member
of her family and how they endure the grieving process. She is forever
a 14 year-old girl and so, even though she can analyze what happens to
those she loves, she has a difficult time accepting her own death and
moving on to her wide, wide Heaven.
The antagonist of a story is the force that provides an obstacle for the protagonist. The antagonist does not always have to be a single character or even a character at all.
On the surface, the antagonist is Mr. Harvey. After all, he is a serial
killer with deep emotional problems. He is a danger to any young girl
or woman whom he seeks to free from her horrible life. However, another
antagonist lies much deeper: grief and the guilt that partners with it.
The Salmon family is not so much in a battle against the murderer of their
daughter and sister. In fact, they are at war with themselves and each
other as they try to come to terms with the tragedy that has befallen
their family. This war lasts eight years, until all involved have experienced
every step of their grief, including Susie.
The climax of a plot is the major turning point that allows the protagonist
to resolve the conflict. This moment occurs when Susie has her greatest
wish fulfilled: she makes love with Ray Singh through the miracle of entering
Ruth's body. This allows her to grow up and so enter the Heaven where
she truly belongs.
The outcome is the final resolution of the story or the denouement.
In the end, every family member has accepted his or her way of grieving
for Susie and cut the cord that binds him or her to Susie, cords that
keep Susie bound to Earth. They move on with their lives and Susie accepts
her own death.
The novel revolves around the story of Susie Salmon's rape and murder and the resulting pain her family faces as they journey through the process of grief. The five stages of grief as identified by psychologists are obvious for each family member as the novel unfolds over an eight year period from 1973 to 1981.
Knowing the process of grief is helpful in understanding the steps each
member of the family takes:
1. SHOCK AND DENIAL
The reality of death hasn't hit home, it hasn't yet been accepted.
You feel stunned and bewildered, everything seems unreal.
2. ANGER
You lash out at family, friends, the doctor, or the world in general.
Expect to experience feelings of guilt or fear during this stage.
3. BARGAINING
You ask for a deal or reward from either God or the doctor. Comments
like "I'll go to Church every day, if only my loved one will come
back to me" are common.
4. DEPRESSION
Depression occurs as a reaction to the changed way of life created
by your loss. You feel intensely sad, hopeless, drained and helpless.
You miss, and constantly think, about your loved one.
5. ACCEPTANCE
Acceptance comes when the changes resulting from your loss are stabilized
into a new lifestyle.
Clapsaddle, Diane. "TheBestNotes on A Long Way Gone".
TheBestNotes.com.
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