Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret

Judy Blume

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume is a timeless coming-of-age novel that has captivated generations of readers. The author uses a range of literary devices, including first-person narration, realistic dialogue, and relatable characters, to explore the challenges and anxieties of adolescence. Through the story of a young girl’s search for identity and understanding, the novel touches on themes of friendship, family, religion, and growing up. With its honest and sensitive portrayal of the adolescent experience, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret continues to resonate with readers of all ages.

Themes 📚

1. Identity: The theme of identity is central to the novel, as the main character, Margaret, struggles to understand and define herself in relation to her family, friends, and society. The novel explores the complex and often confusing process of self-discovery during adolescence.
2. Religion: Religion is a recurring theme in the novel, as Margaret grapples with her own beliefs and questions about God. The novel portrays the role of religion in shaping identity and community.
3. Friendship: The theme of friendship is explored through Margaret’s relationships with her peers. The novel portrays the ups and downs of adolescent friendships and the importance of mutual support and understanding.
4. Family: The theme of family is also central to the novel, as Margaret navigates the dynamics and expectations of her family relationships. The novel portrays the joys and challenges of family life, as well as the importance of communication and mutual respect.
5. Growth and Change: The novel explores the theme of growth and change, as Margaret and her peers undergo physical, emotional, and social transformations during adolescence. The novel highlights the challenges and opportunities of this period of transition.
6. Gender and Sexuality: The novel touches on the themes of gender and sexuality, as Margaret and her peers navigate the complex and often confusing world of gender norms and sexual identity.
7. Bullying: The theme of bullying is also addressed in the novel, as Margaret and her friends face teasing and exclusion from their peers. The novel explores the impact of bullying on young people’s self-esteem and mental health.
8. Acceptance and Belonging: The theme of acceptance and belonging is woven throughout the novel, as Margaret seeks to find her place in the world and connect with others who share her values and interests.
9. Individuality: The novel celebrates the importance of individuality and self-expression, as Margaret and her peers strive to embrace their unique identities and perspectives.
10. Openness and Honesty: The theme of openness and honesty is a recurring theme in the novel, as Margaret learns the value of communicating honestly with herself and others in order to foster meaningful relationships and personal growth.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. First-person narration: The novel is narrated in the first person, which allows readers to experience the story through Margaret’s perspective and gain insight into her thoughts and feelings.
2. Realistic dialogue: The novel’s dialogue is realistic and authentic, capturing the tone and cadence of adolescent speech.
3. Imagery: Imagery is used throughout the novel to create vivid and evocative descriptions of the setting and characters. For example, Margaret’s descriptions of her grandparents’ apartment evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity.
4. Symbolism: Symbolism is used in the novel to represent deeper meanings and themes. For example, the “Growing Things” club that Margaret joins symbolizes the growth and change she experiences during adolescence.
5. Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is used in the novel to build suspense and tension. For example, Margaret’s anxieties about starting her period foreshadow the pivotal moment in the story when she does.
6. Humor: The novel’s use of humor adds levity and relatability to the story, making it more engaging and enjoyable to read.
7. Metaphor: Metaphors are used in the novel to convey complex ideas and emotions. For example, Margaret’s changing body is compared to a “rollercoaster” that she is both fascinated and terrified by.
8. Irony: Irony is used in the novel to create a sense of contrast and highlight the absurdity of certain situations. For example, Margaret’s mother’s insistence on sending her to a religious school leads her to become more curious about religion and spirituality.
9. Flashback: Flashbacks are used in the novel to provide insight into Margaret’s past experiences and motivations. For example, Margaret’s memories of her deceased grandmother help to illuminate her character and the impact of loss on her life.
10. Repetition: Repetition is used in the novel to create emphasis and reinforce certain ideas. For example, Margaret’s constant invocation of “Are you there, God?” highlights her growing sense of spirituality and the importance of faith in her life.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. First Person Point of View

Example	Explanation
“I sure hope you don’t mind that I’m not in one religion.”	The novel is narrated by Margaret, giving readers an intimate look at her thoughts and feelings as she navigates adolescence.
“I felt so grown-up in my new two-piece.”	Margaret’s perspective allows readers to relate to her experiences and emotions throughout the story.
“My heart felt like it was pounding in my throat.”	Margaret’s first-person point of view provides insight into her anxieties and fears as she encounters new situations.

2. Coming of Age Theme

Example	Explanation
Margaret’s talks with God	Margaret’s conversations with God show her questioning and exploring her spirituality as part of her journey towards self-discovery.
Margaret’s friendships	Margaret’s friendships with other girls illustrate her growing understanding of herself and her place in the world.
Margaret’s first period	Margaret’s first period symbolizes her transition into womanhood and the physical changes she experiences during adolescence.

3. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
Margaret’s talks with God	Margaret’s conversations with God represent her search for identity and the challenges she faces while growing up.
The bra and sanitary napkins	These items symbolize Margaret’s transition into womanhood and her struggles with the physical and emotional changes of puberty.
The Four PTS’s (Pre-Teen Sensations) club	The club symbolizes Margaret’s desire for belonging and her need for friendship during this pivotal time in her life.

4. Internal Conflict

Example	Explanation
Margaret’s religious dilemma	Margaret’s struggle to choose a religion reflects her internal conflict over her identity and the expectations of her family.
Margaret’s feelings about puberty	Margaret’s mixed emotions about her body changing reveal her internal conflict about growing up and the challenges of adolescence.
Margaret’s relationship with God	Margaret’s questioning of God and her relationship with Him illustrate her internal struggle with faith and spirituality.

5. Character Development

Example	Explanation
Margaret’s evolving friendships	As Margaret’s relationships with her friends change, her character development is evident, demonstrating her growth throughout the novel.
Margaret’s understanding of her parents	Margaret’s growing understanding of her parents’ perspectives and their reasons for not practicing a religion showcases her increasing maturity.
Margaret’s acceptance of herself	By the end of the novel, Margaret has become more accepting of herself, illustrating her growth and development as a character.

FAQs 💭