By (author name)
“The Client” by John Grisham is a legal thriller that employs various literary devices to keep readers on the edge of their seats. From symbolism to foreshadowing, Grisham masterfully uses these tools to build suspense and create a gripping narrative. The novel tells the story of a young boy who becomes entangled in a dangerous web of secrets and lies after witnessing a Mafia lawyer’s suicide. With the help of his lawyer, he navigates the legal system while trying to keep himself and his family safe.
Themes 📚
- Justice and the Legal System: The novel centers around the legal system and the pursuit of justice, both for the young boy who witnessed the suicide and for the lawyer who is trying to protect him. Grisham explores the flaws and limitations of the legal system, as well as the ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers who are bound by client privilege.
- Power and Corruption: The Mafia’s power and corruption loom large throughout the novel, as the young boy and his lawyer navigate the dangerous world of organized crime. Grisham explores the ways in which power can be abused and how corruption can infiltrate even the highest levels of society.
- Family and Loyalty: The young boy’s family plays a central role in the novel, as they try to protect him from harm while also facing their own struggles. Grisham explores the theme of loyalty within families, as well as the lengths that parents will go to protect their children.
- Trust and Betrayal: Trust is a major theme in “The Client,” as the young boy must learn whom to trust and whom to avoid in order to stay safe. Grisham also explores the theme of betrayal, as various characters in the novel betray each other in pursuit of their own interests.
- Morality and Ethics: The novel raises important questions about morality and ethics, particularly in the context of the legal system. Grisham explores the ways in which lawyers must balance their duty to their clients with their duty to uphold the law, and the ethical dilemmas that arise when those duties conflict.
Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽
- Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is used to hint at future events and build suspense. For example, the opening scene in which the young boy witnesses the lawyer’s suicide foreshadows the danger and intrigue that will follow.
- Irony: Irony is used to convey a difference between what is expected and what actually occurs. For example, the young boy’s desire for a Big Mac becomes a running joke throughout the novel, as he is constantly denied the fast food he craves.
- Symbolism: Symbolism is used to represent various themes and ideas. For example, the swamp represents the danger and secrecy that surround the Mafia, while the church represents a safe haven for the young boy and his family.
- Metaphor: Metaphors are used to draw comparisons between seemingly unrelated objects or concepts. For example, the Mafia is metaphorically described as a spider, with its web of secrets and lies trapping those who come too close.
- Flashback: Flashbacks are used to provide background information and develop character. For example, the lawyer’s backstory is revealed through a series of flashbacks, which help the reader to understand his motivations and actions.
- Allusion: Allusions are references to historical, cultural, or literary works that deepen the meaning of a text. For example, the young boy compares his situation to that of Huckleberry Finn, highlighting the theme of youth and innocence in the novel.
- Suspense: Suspense is used to keep the reader engaged and invested in the story. Grisham builds suspense through a series of cliffhangers, close calls, and unexpected twists.
- Dialogue: Dialogue is used to reveal character, advance the plot, and provide exposition. Grisham’s dialogue is sharp and realistic, with each character speaking in a distinct and memorable voice.
- Point of View: The novel is written in the third person limited point of view, which allows the reader to see events from the perspective of the young boy and his lawyer. This point of view helps to build empathy and investment in the characters’ fates.
- Conflict: Conflict is the driving force of the novel, as the young boy and his lawyer are pitted against the powerful and dangerous Mafia. Grisham creates conflict through a variety of means, including physical threats, legal maneuvering, and emotional tension.
Examples of Literary Devices 📋
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Jerome Clifford’s suicide | Early in the novel, Jerome Clifford’s suicide suggests that the secret he was hiding is so dangerous that it could lead to life-threatening situations. |
| Mark witnessing a lawyer’s death | Mark’s witnessing of a lawyer’s death sets the stage for the subsequent events, as he becomes involved in the case and legal intrigue that follows. |
| Mention of the Mafia | The early references to the Mafia in the novel foreshadow their involvement in the story and the perilous situations Mark and his family will face. |
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Mark’s bike | Mark’s bike symbolizes his innocence and his desire for a normal life. As he is drawn into the dangerous world of the legal system, his bike is a constant reminder of what he truly wants. |
| The pelican brief | The pelican brief itself is a symbol of truth and the quest for justice, as it contains vital information that could expose corruption and save lives. |
| Mafia’s black sedan | The Mafia’s black sedan represents the constant threat and danger that follows Mark and his family throughout the novel. |
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Jerome Clifford’s suicide | Jerome Clifford’s suicide is ironic because he kills himself to protect his secret, but his death ultimately leads Mark to discover the secret anyway. |
| Mark’s distrust of lawyers | It’s ironic that Mark distrusts lawyers, yet he is forced to rely on them in order to protect himself and his family. |
| The FBI’s involvement | The FBI is supposed to protect citizens, but in the novel, their involvement in the case only serves to put Mark and his family in even greater danger. |
- Flashbacks
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Mark’s memories of his father | Mark’s flashbacks to his father help to develop his character and provide insight into his mistrust of authority figures, including lawyers. |
| Reggie’s past | Reggie’s past experiences as a lawyer are revealed through flashbacks, giving the reader a deeper understanding of her motivations and her connection to Mark. |
| Jerome Clifford’s past | Flashbacks to Jerome Clifford’s past provide context for his actions and his involvement with the Mafia. |
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The dangerous Memphis streets | Vivid descriptions of the streets of Memphis create a sense of danger and tension throughout the novel. |
| The courtroom scenes | The imagery used in the courtroom scenes emphasizes the high stakes and drama involved in the legal proceedings. |
| Mark’s hiding places | The various hiding places Mark uses throughout the novel create suspense and contribute to the overall atmosphere of danger and uncertainty. |
FAQs 💭
What is “The Client” about?
“The Client” is a legal thriller written by John Grisham. The novel tells the story of a young boy who becomes entangled in a dangerous web of secrets and lies after witnessing a Mafia lawyer’s suicide. With the help of his lawyer, he navigates the legal system while trying to keep himself and his family safe.
What literary devices are used in “The Client”?
What is symbolism?
Symbolism is a literary device used to represent various themes and ideas through the use of symbols. In “The Client,” Grisham uses symbolism to represent themes such as danger, secrecy, and safety. For example, the swamp represents the danger and secrecy that surround the Mafia, while the church represents a safe haven for the young boy and his family.
What is metaphor?
Metaphor is a literary device used to draw comparisons between seemingly unrelated objects or concepts. In “The Client,” Grisham uses metaphor to describe the Mafia as a spider, with its web of secrets and lies trapping those who come too close. This metaphor helps to convey the danger and complexity of the Mafia’s operations.
What is flashback?
Flashback is a literary device used to provide background information and develop character. In “The Client,” Grisham uses flashbacks to reveal the lawyer’s backstory, which helps the reader to understand his motivations and actions. The flashbacks also add depth and complexity to the novel’s themes of power and corruption.
What is suspense?
Suspense is a literary device used to keep the reader engaged and invested in the story. In “The Client,” Grisham builds suspense through a series of cliffhangers, close calls, and unexpected twists. The suspense creates a sense of tension and anticipation, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
What is point of view?
Point of view is the perspective from which a story is told. In “The Client,” the novel is written in the third person limited point of view, which allows the reader to see events from the perspective of the young boy and his lawyer. This point of view helps to build empathy and investment in the characters’ fates.
What is conflict?
Conflict is the driving force of a story, as characters are pitted against each other in pursuit of their goals. In “The Client,” the conflict is between the young boy and his lawyer, who are trying to protect him, and the powerful and dangerous Mafia, who are trying to silence him. The conflict creates tension and drives the plot forward.