The Lovely Bones Themes
The Lovely Bones Analysis The Lovely Bones is a life-changing novel by Alice Seabold. The novel explores the themes of grief, loss, redemption, and healing after the main character and protagonist, Susie Salmon, is tragically raped and murdered by a neighbor. Narrated by Susie herself, all readers are taken on a journey into the afterlife, where Susie watches her family and friends struggle to get past her death. Readers get a first-hand look into the eyes of Susie, and experience the complexities of not only loss and emotion, but also love and forgiveness. This novel is a powerful exploration of grief and healing, and is a wonderful critique of the justice system.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The Lovely Bones took place in the 1970s, a time of significant
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A way to approach a new historicism reading of the novel could be to examine ways in which the novel reflects on the cultural anxieties and fears of post-9/11 America. Published just one year after 9/11, one example is the depiction of violence and trauma, which could relate to the way America was traumatized by the attacks. The novel's themes of grief, loss, and healing could be read as a reflection of the ways the American society struggled to come to terms with this tragedy. Similarly, the Salmon family could be read as a reflection of the 9/11 attacks, as although the family symbolizes stability, the struggle to cope with Susie’s death could reflect the way American society struggled to maintain their values during the wake of the attacks. Overall, these emphasize the ways in which the novel reflects and responds to the cultural and historical context in which it was written. By examining the novel in this way, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which literature both reflects and shapes cultural value and the tragedies of its time. Overall, The Lovely Bones is a complex novel which offers a powerful vision of loss and grief while also giving a powerful vision of healing, and the justice system. The portrayal of the Salmon family and how they cope with Susie’s death shows the themes of grief, loss, and healing, while also offering broader commentary on the ways in which American society is shaped by violence, trauma, and anxiety. The novel's powerful vision of hope and redemption shows how there is still hope after loss. The novel challenges readers to confront some of the most difficult and complex issues within America
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