By Tammara Webber
Introduction — Easy by Tammara Webber is a captivating New Adult romance novel that tackles significant issues such as sexual assault, recovery, and finding love. Published in 2012, this novel gained popularity for its relatable characters and realistic portrayal of college life. Tammara Webber, known for her engaging and heartfelt storytelling, has crafted a story that resonates deeply with readers. The book’s genre blends romance and drama, appealing to young adults and anyone who enjoys a touching and thought-provoking story. đź“šđź’–
Plot Summary
Plot Summary — Easy by Tammara Webber follows the journey of Jacqueline Wallace, a college student whose life takes a dramatic turn after a traumatic event. The story begins with Jacqueline being sexually assaulted by her ex-boyfriend’s friend, Buck, after a party. Fortunately, she is saved by a mysterious and handsome stranger named Lucas.
As Jacqueline tries to recover from the assault, she grapples with fear, shame, and the desire to keep the incident a secret. She meets Lucas again in her economics class, where he sits at the back and sketches in his notebook. Over time, they grow closer, and Jacqueline discovers that Lucas is more than just a savior; he is a talented artist with a complicated past.
The rising action revolves around Jacqueline’s struggle to regain control of her life. She faces academic challenges, deals with her ex-boyfriend’s attempts to rekindle their relationship, and starts to uncover more about Lucas’s past. Their relationship deepens, and Jacqueline learns about Lucas’s tragic history involving his mother’s murder and his father’s imprisonment.
The climax occurs when Buck attempts to assault Jacqueline again, but this time, she fights back with Lucas’s support. Buck is arrested, and Jacqueline decides to press charges, finding the strength to stand up for herself.
In the falling action, Jacqueline and Lucas navigate their relationship and their personal healing journeys. The resolution sees Jacqueline reclaiming her power and moving forward with her life, empowered by her newfound strength and her supportive relationship with Lucas.
Character Analysis
Character Analysis —
Jacqueline Wallace — Jacqueline is the protagonist who undergoes significant growth throughout the novel. Initially portrayed as a typical college student, her encounter with trauma forces her to confront her vulnerabilities. Her journey from a scared, silent victim to an empowered, vocal survivor is central to the story.
Lucas/Landon Maxfield — Lucas is Jacqueline’s love interest and savior. He is depicted as brooding and enigmatic, with a dark past that includes his mother’s murder. His character embodies resilience and the struggle to find peace after tragedy.
Erin — Jacqueline’s best friend and roommate, Erin provides crucial support and embodies loyalty and strength. She helps Jacqueline navigate her trauma and is an advocate for seeking justice.
Buck — The antagonist of the story, Buck’s actions serve as the catalyst for Jacqueline’s transformation. His character represents the harsh realities of sexual assault and the importance of accountability.
Kennedy — Jacqueline’s ex-boyfriend, Kennedy’s character highlights issues of betrayal and the challenges of past relationships influencing present circumstances.
Character Analysis Summary
| Character | Personality | Motivations | Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacqueline Wallace | Resilient, compassionate, determined | Seeking safety, healing, and justice | Transforms from victim to empowered survivor |
| Lucas/Landon Maxfield | Mysterious, protective, artistic | Overcoming past trauma, protecting Jacqueline | Learns to open up and find peace |
| Erin | Supportive, loyal, assertive | Helping Jacqueline, promoting justice | Grows into a stronger advocate for victims |
| Buck | Aggressive, manipulative, entitled | Dominance, control | Faces consequences for his actions |
| Kennedy | Charming, selfish, regretful | Reconciling past relationship with Jacqueline | Learns to accept Jacqueline’s decision to move on |
Themes and Symbols
Themes and Symbols —
Themes:
- Survival and Empowerment — The story emphasizes the journey from victimhood to empowerment, showcasing Jacqueline’s growth and strength.
- Healing from Trauma — The novel explores the emotional and psychological impact of sexual assault and the healing process.
- Love and Trust — The development of Jacqueline and Lucas’s relationship highlights the themes of trust and the healing power of love.
- Justice and Accountability — The narrative stresses the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and seeking justice.
Symbols:
- Jacqueline’s Diary — Represents her inner thoughts and journey towards healing.
- Lucas’s Sketchbook — Symbolizes his creative outlet and his way of processing his past.
- The University Campus — Acts as a microcosm of society, highlighting both its dangers and its support systems.
Style and Tone
- Conversational Prose — Webber’s writing style is accessible and engaging, making the story easy to read and relatable.
- First-Person Narration — The story is told from Jacqueline’s perspective, allowing readers to intimately experience her thoughts and emotions.
- Emotional Depth — The tone of the novel is often intense and emotional, reflecting the gravity of the themes explored.
- Realistic Dialogue — The dialogue is natural and authentic, enhancing the realism of the characters and their interactions.
- Lyrical Descriptions — Webber’s descriptive language vividly paints the settings and emotions, immersing readers in the story.
Literary Devices used in Easy
Literary Devices used in Easy
- Metaphor — Webber frequently uses metaphors to convey complex emotions and themes.
- Simile — Similes are used to create vivid imagery and comparisons.
- Symbolism — Objects like Jacqueline’s diary and Lucas’s sketchbook carry deeper meanings.
- Foreshadowing — Hints and clues are given about future events, building suspense.
- Flashbacks — The narrative includes flashbacks to reveal characters’ pasts and motivations.
- Irony — Situational and dramatic irony are used to highlight contrasts and deepen the story.
- Imagery — Vivid descriptions appeal to the senses and enhance the reading experience.
- Allusion — References to literature, art, and historical events add depth to the narrative.
- Juxtaposition — Contrasting characters and situations are placed side by side to highlight differences.
- Hyperbole — Exaggerations are used to emphasize emotions and situations.
Literary Device Examples
Metaphor
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “Her words were a soothing balm.” | Jacqueline’s friend’s comforting words are compared to a healing ointment. |
| “Life is a rollercoaster.” | The unpredictable nature of life is likened to a rollercoaster ride. |
| “He was a rock in the storm.” | Lucas is depicted as a stable and reliable figure in turbulent times. |
Simile
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “Her heart pounded like a drum.” | Jacqueline’s anxious heartbeat is compared to a drum. |
| “He was as silent as a shadow.” | Lucas’s quiet presence is likened to a shadow. |
| “Her smile was bright like the sun.” | Jacqueline’s joyful smile is compared to the brightness of the sun. |
Symbolism
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Jacqueline’s Diary | Represents her inner thoughts and journey towards healing. |
| Lucas’s Sketchbook | Symbolizes his creative outlet and his way of processing his past. |
| The University Campus | Acts as a microcosm of society, highlighting both its dangers and its support systems. |
Foreshadowing
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “I had a bad feeling about the party.” | Hints at the traumatic event that is about to happen. |
| “Lucas’s haunted eyes suggested a dark past.” | Foreshadows the reveal of Lucas’s tragic history. |
| “The tense atmosphere felt like a ticking bomb.” | Indicates impending conflict or crisis. |
Flashbacks
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “I remembered the day vividly…” | Reveals Jacqueline’s memories of past events. |
| “He was just a boy when it happened…” | Provides backstory on Lucas’s childhood trauma. |
| “The scent of her perfume brought me back to that night…” | Uses sensory details to trigger a flashback. |
Irony
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “She trusted him completely, yet he was the one who betrayed her.” | Highlights the contrast between trust and betrayal. |
| “The protector needed saving.” | Lucas, who saves Jacqueline, also needs to be saved emotionally. |
| “She felt safest in the place where she was hurt the most.” | Jacqueline’s return to the campus where she was assaulted. |
Imagery
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “The autumn leaves crunched underfoot.” | Descriptive detail that appeals to the sense of hearing. |
| “His touch was like fire on my skin.” | Evokes a tactile sensation of warmth and intensity. |
| “The sky was a canvas of purples and pinks at sunset.” | Visual imagery that paints a vivid picture of the sky. |
|
Allusion
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “He was like a modern-day Heathcliff.” | Reference to the character from Wuthering Heights, indicating a brooding and intense nature. |
| “This felt like a scene out of a horror movie.” | Allusion to the genre, heightening the sense of fear. |
| “She had a Mona Lisa smile.” | Reference to the famous painting, indicating a mysterious and enigmatic expression. |
Juxtaposition
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “His laughter was a stark contrast to her tears.” | Highlights the difference between Lucas’s happiness and Jacqueline’s sadness. |
| “The bright day contrasted with her dark mood.” | The cheerful weather contrasts with Jacqueline’s inner turmoil. |
| “The peaceful campus hid the violence that occurred.” | Juxtaposes the serene setting with the traumatic event. |
Hyperbole
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “I was so tired I could sleep for a year.” | Exaggeration to emphasize extreme exhaustion. |
| “The pain was unbearable.” | Overstatement to highlight the intensity of the pain. |
| “He was the most perfect person I had ever met.” | Exaggeration to express admiration and idealization. |
Easy – FAQs
Easy – FAQs
Q: What is the main theme of Easy by Tammara Webber?
A: The main theme is survival and empowerment, focusing on Jacqueline’s journey from victim to empowered survivor.
Q: Who is the protagonist in Easy?
A: The protagonist is Jacqueline Wallace, a college student who overcomes a traumatic experience.
Q: How does Jacqueline’s relationship with Lucas develop?
A: Their relationship develops from a chance encounter to a deep, supportive bond as they both heal from past traumas.
Q: What is the significance of Lucas’s sketchbook?
A: It symbolizes his creative outlet and a way to process his past.
Q: How does Tammara Webber use foreshadowing in Easy?
A: Webber uses foreshadowing to build suspense and hint at future events, such as Jacqueline’s bad feeling about the party.
Q: What role does Erin play in the story?
A: Erin is Jacqueline’s best friend who provides crucial support and advocates for justice.
Q: What is the climax of the story?
A: The climax occurs when Jacqueline fights back against Buck’s second assault attempt with Lucas’s support.
Q: How does the novel address the issue of justice?
A: The novel highlights the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and pressing charges to seek justice.
Quiz
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Who is the author of Easy? | A) John Green B) Tammara Webber C) Sarah Dessen D) Stephanie Meyer | B) Tammara Webber |
| What is the main conflict in the novel? | A) A love triangle B) A financial crisis C) Jacqueline’s recovery from assault D) A murder mystery | C) Jacqueline’s recovery from assault |
| Who saves Jacqueline from the initial assault? | A) Kennedy B) Erin C) Buck D) Lucas | D) Lucas |
| What does Lucas’s sketchbook symbolize? | A) His dreams B) His past C) His artistic talent D) His future | B) His past |
| What decision does Jacqueline make at the end of the novel? | A) To drop out of college B) To forgive Buck C) To press charges against Buck D) To move to a new city | C) To press charges against Buck |
Exercise
Identify the literary devices used in the following paragraph from Easy:
“Her heart pounded like a drum as she walked across the deserted campus, the autumn leaves crunching underfoot. She felt like a leaf herself, tossed about by the winds of fate, but determined to find her own path. The memory of that night still haunted her, a shadow lurking at the edge of her thoughts, but she knew she had to face it head-on. With each step, she grew stronger, her resolve as unyielding as steel.”
Answers:
- Simile — “Her heart pounded like a drum”
- Imagery — “The autumn leaves crunching underfoot”
- Metaphor — “She felt like a leaf herself, tossed about by the winds of fate”
- Symbolism — “The memory of that night still haunted her, a shadow lurking at the edge of her thoughts”
- Simile — “Her resolve as unyielding as steel”