The Higher Power of Lucky

Susan Patron

“The Higher Power of Lucky” is a captivating novel that explores themes of resilience and self-discovery. Through the use of vivid imagery, compelling metaphors, and a unique narrative voice, the author takes readers on a heartfelt journey of a young girl named Lucky. This coming-of-age tale incorporates literary devices such as symbolism and foreshadowing, creating a rich and thought-provoking reading experience.

Themes 📚

1. Resilience: The novel emphasizes the importance of inner strength and perseverance in the face of adversity.
2. Belonging: Lucky seeks a sense of belonging and connection as she navigates her way through life, highlighting the human need for acceptance and community.
3. Identity: The story delves into Lucky’s search for her own identity, as she grapples with questions of self-discovery and understanding.
4. Family: The theme of family is prominent, exploring the dynamics of both biological and chosen families, and the impact they have on one’s sense of self.
5. Friendship: The novel explores the significance of friendship and the support it provides in shaping Lucky’s journey and personal growth.
6. Loss and Grief: The theme of loss is addressed as Lucky copes with the death of her mother, highlighting the emotional impact of grief and the process of healing.
7. Empathy: The story emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding, encouraging readers to consider the perspectives and experiences of others.
8. Independence: The novel explores the theme of independence as Lucky strives to make her own choices and assert her autonomy.
9. Courage: Courage is a recurring theme, as Lucky faces challenges and learns to overcome her fears, demonstrating the strength found within oneself.
10. Finding Meaning: The book raises questions about the search for meaning and purpose in life, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys and the higher power that guides them.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Symbolism: The author uses symbolic elements, such as the “higher power” and the bird imagery, to represent deeper meanings and concepts within the story.
2. Foreshadowing: The narrative includes hints and clues about future events, creating anticipation and suspense for readers.
3. Flashbacks: The author employs flashbacks to provide background information and offer insights into the characters’ past experiences.
4. Imagery: Vivid and descriptive language is used to create sensory images, engaging readers and immersing them in the story’s setting and events.
5. Irony: The novel incorporates irony to create contrast between what is expected and what actually happens, often for comedic or dramatic effect.
6. Dialogue: The author utilizes dialogue to reveal characters’ personalities, advance the plot, and convey important information.
7. Internal Monologue: Inner thoughts and reflections of the characters are presented, giving readers insight into their emotions, motivations, and conflicts.
8. Mood: The narrative establishes a specific atmosphere or mood through the use of language, setting, and tone, influencing readers’ emotional responses.
9. Repetition: Certain phrases or words are repeated throughout the story, emphasizing key ideas or themes and reinforcing their significance.
10. Suspense: The author builds suspense through strategic pacing, withholding information, and creating situations of tension and uncertainty to keep readers engaged and curious about what will happen next.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Symbolism

Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Example	Explanation
The knot tied in the hair of Lucky’s deceased mother	Symbolizes Lucky’s longing for her mother and her yearning to keep her memories alive.
Lucky’s survival kit	This represents her need for security and preparedness, reflecting her fear of being abandoned.
The various insects Lucky collects	These symbolize her curious nature and desire to understand the world around her.

2. Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is a literary device in which a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story.

Example	Explanation
Lucky’s belief in the importance of a “Higher Power”	This foreshadows her own journey and eventual realization of what her Higher Power is.
Lucky’s fear of her guardian Brigitte leaving her	Foreshadows the climax where Lucky runs away from home.
The mention of the approaching storm	This indicates the approaching crisis in Lucky’s life.

3. Simile

A simile is a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid.

Example	Explanation
Lucky’s feelings of worry are “like a cloud”	This emphasizes her constant fear and anxiety.
Lucky feels “like a small boat on a big sea”	This illustrates her feelings of being overwhelmed and lost in her circumstances.
Brigitte’s eyes are “like two storm clouds”	Describes Brigitte’s worried and stern expression.

4. Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes an implicit, implied, or hidden comparison between two things that are unrelated, but which share some common characteristics.

Example	Explanation
Lucky’s life is a “desert”	This indicates her feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Lucky’s quest for a Higher Power is a “journey”	Represents her emotional and psychological growth.
Hard Pan is a “world”	Illustrates the self-contained nature of Lucky’s community.

5. Personification

Personification is a figure of speech in which a thing, an idea, or an animal is given human attributes.

Example	Explanation
“The wind whispered”	Personifies the wind, creating a vivid sensory experience.
“The trailer groaned in the wind”	Gives the trailer human-like qualities, enhancing the sense of the environment’s impact.
“The desert swallowed her words”	Personifies the desert, suggesting the vastness and isolation of Lucky’s surroundings.

FAQs 💭