Characters Flashcards
Jack salmon
•represents typical suburban family man, highlighting the sense of security and normalcy shattered by the tragic event of his daughter’s murder.
•relentless pursuit of justice and closure reflects the theme of seeking truth and seeking justice in the face of tragedy and injustice.
•His grief and inner struggles are portrayed realistically, showcasing the emotional toll and psychological impact of losing a child
• themes of guilt and redemption, as he grapples with feelings of responsibility for not being able to protect his daughter
•adds a dimension of empathy and relatability, allowing readers to connect with the emotions and experiences of a grieving parent.
• Contrast to Abigail, showcasing different coping mechanisms and reactions to grief
•1970 adds to the significance as it reflects the idealized image of family life and the subsequent disintegration of that image in the wake of tragedy.
Abigail salmon
•exploration of grief, loss, and the complexities of motherhood.
•The genre allows her to delve into the realm of escapism and the desire to escape the harsh reality of grief
•Her struggle with her grief and inability to cope with the loss reveals the devastating effect that the tragedy has on her well-being.
•Her decision to leave the family explores the theme of escapism and the desire to distance oneself from the pain. Contrasts with Jack’s approach to staying and seeking justice.
•Her abandonment of her family introduces complex emotions of guilt, resentment, and the strain on familial bonds.
•1970s->traditional gender roles were deeply ingrained, and the idea of a mother leaving her family was particularly controversial.
•Return brings a sense of healing and closure, highlighting the complexities of forgiveness and redemption.
Ruth Conners
•element of mystery, spirituality, and connection to the supernatural within the novel.
•friend and confidante to Susie->unique bond that transcends the boundaries of life and death.
•Represents the countless other girls affected by Harvey’s actions-> widespread impact of violence and trauma.
•Fascination with the supernatural, belief in spirits, and her ability to sense Susie’s presence contribute to magical realism
•Allows for a deeper exploration of the afterlife and the idea that spirits can still influence the living world, enhancing the theme connection beyond death.
•unconventional personality and outsider status contribute to the exploration of societal norms, acceptance, and the challenges of being different.
•Understanding of grief offers a perspective that enhances the emotional journey of the others
Grandma Lynn
•contrasting element of lightness and unconventional behaviour
•unique perspective on grief and loss, as she navigates her own sorrow while trying to support her daughter and grandchildren.
•source of comic relief-> offsetting the darker themes
•genre allows Lynn to embody the idea that life continues despite tragedy, and that laughter can coexist with pain.
•eccentric behaviour and unfiltered personality challenge societal norms, representing a counterpoint to the conventional suburban lifestyle
•Intergenerational relationships, highlighting the bond between grandparent and grandchild and the unique role grandparents can play
• 1970s represents a time when societal norms and expectations were shifting, and older generations were starting to challenge traditional roles
Len Fenerman
•Realism and procedural investigation, grounding it in the genre of a crime thriller and emphasizing the importance of law and order in society
•His persistence and commitment to solving the case highlight the theme of seeking justice and the impact of crime on individuals and communities
• 1970s->a time when law enforcement practices and investigative techniques were evolving-> challenges faced by investigators
•interactions with the other characters, like Jack, highlight the tension between the desire for justice and the limitations of the legal system
•emotional toll and personal investment that investigators may experience when dealing with traumatic cases.
•broader impact of crime on a community, emphasizing the need for support and cooperation between law enforcement and the affected families.
Ray Singh
•Represents the possibility of love, connection, and healing in the midst of tragedy.
•As Susie Salmon’s love interest and friend, he offers a lightness in the otherwise dark and haunting narrative.
• young love and the potential for new beginnings, contrasting the pervasive grief and loss experienced by the other characters.
•Ray’s friendship with Susie highlights the importance of human connection and emotional support during times of trauma, offering solace and companionship to both characters.
•1970s-> changing social norms and evolving attitudes toward relationships, add significance to Ray as he navigates the complexities of young love and the expectations placed upon him.
• cultural diversity and acceptance, as he comes from an immigrant family and experiences both the challenges and beauty of embracing different cultures.
• idea of healing and moving forward, as he learns to cope with the loss of Susie while also cherishing her memory
•even in the darkest of times, love and connection can provide strength and resilience
Mr Harvey
•the embodiment of evil, darkness, and the destructive power of violence.
•central antagonist of the novel, driving the suspense and tension of the plot.
•Genre->utilizes his character to explore the themes of justice, loss, and the effects of trauma on both the individual and the community.
•evokes fear, disgust, and a sense of foreboding, reflecting the psychological impact of violence and the trauma experienced by the characters.
•1970->provide a backdrop for him. reflecting a time when crimes against children were less understood and discussed, intensifying the shock and horror of his actions.
•meticulous planning and concealment of his crimes highlight his chilling and manipulative nature, contributing to the sense of suspense and the desire for justice
• complexities of evil, exploring the depths of human depravity and the lasting effects it has on the victims and their loved ones.
•The revelation of his true nature and his eventual comeuppance add a sense of catharsis and closure, offering a semblance of justice and resolution for the characters and the readers.
Buckley Salmon
•Represents the innocence and vulnerability of childhood, highlighting the impact of loss and trauma on young minds.
•Reminder of the lasting effects of death, particularly on the youngest member who struggles to understand the magnitude of the tragedy.
•Theme of familial bonds and the disruption caused by the loss of a loved one, especially from the perspective of a child who grapples with the absence of his sister
•blurred lines between reality and imagination as he copes with his sister’s absence.-genre
• innocence and naivety offer a contrast to the adult characters, bringing a sense of purity
• 1970s-a time when children were often shielded from the harsh realities of life, making Buckley’s loss of innocence particularly poignant.
•his relationship with jack highlights the challenges of parenting in the wake of tragedy, as they both navigate their grief and try to maintain a sense of normalcy for each other.
• emotional journey of a young child grappling with loss, providing a unique perspective on grief
•growth and resilience throughout symbolize the capacity for healing and adaptation, as he learns to navigate life without his sister and find his own identity within the family.
•Depression overtakes Buckley both in missing Susie and missing the family around him who change after her death. He wishes for more from each of his family members and is unable to develop close relationships with them. The one person he expects to relate to, Lindsey, is unable to vocalize her emotions and hides them instead. He feels like there is no outlet for his grief at all.
•Jack knows he has to explain Susie’s death to Buckley, and uses one of the Monopoly pieces—the shoe, which was always Susie’s chosen piece—to explain that Susie is gone, and is never coming back.
Lindsey salmon
•Serves as a source of connection between Susie and the living world, bridging the gap between life and death.
•Her development reflects the coming-of-age theme as she navigates the challenges of adolescence while grappling with the loss of her sister.
•her determination to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice mirrors her father’s pursuit, highlighting the theme of seeking truth
•her growing independence and resilience serve as a counterpoint to Abigail, showcasing different ways of coping with grief and loss within the family.
• 1970-> a time when women’s roles and expectations were evolving, allowing Lindsey to challenge traditional gender norms
• intelligence and resourcefulness contribute to the exploration of the power of knowledge and the ability to uncover hidden truths.
•Complexities of sibling relationships, the bonds forged through shared experiences and the impact of loss on those relationships.
