The Pillars of the Earth

By (author name)

Ken Follett’s historical masterpiece, The Pillars of the Earth, weaves together complex characters and political intrigue using vivid imagery, metaphor, and foreshadowing. Set in 12th century England, the novel follows the building of a magnificent cathedral and the lives of those involved in its construction. Through themes of power, religion, and love, Follett creates a gripping tale of ambition and survival that will leave readers breathless until the very last page.

Themes 📚

1. Power and Ambition – The theme of power and ambition is central to The Pillars of the Earth. The novel explores the ways in which people seek to gain and maintain power, both through political and religious means. The characters’ ambitions often lead them to make difficult and sometimes morally questionable choices.
2. Religion and Faith – Religion and faith are important themes in the novel. The story is set during a time of great religious upheaval in England, with the church playing a significant role in political and social affairs. Follett explores the tension between different religious groups, as well as the ways in which religion can be used to control and manipulate people.
3. Love and Relationships – The Pillars of the Earth also explores the theme of love and relationships. The characters’ romantic relationships are often complicated by their social status and the expectations placed upon them. The novel also explores the bonds of family and friendship, as well as the impact of loss and grief on these relationships.
4. Class and Social Hierarchy – The theme of class and social hierarchy is also prominent in the novel. The characters’ social status determines their opportunities and the way they are treated by others. The novel explores the ways in which people can rise or fall within the social hierarchy, as well as the injustices and inequalities inherent in this system.
5. Change and Progress – Finally, The Pillars of the Earth is a story about change and progress. The construction of the cathedral is a symbol of the progress and innovation of the time, but it also represents the destruction and upheaval that comes with change. The novel explores the tension between tradition and progress, as well as the ways in which change can be both positive and negative.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Imagery – Follett uses vivid and descriptive language to create a detailed and immersive world in The Pillars of the Earth. His use of imagery brings the medieval setting and characters to life, making the reader feel as though they are part of the story.
2. Metaphor – The author employs metaphor to convey complex ideas and emotions. For example, the construction of the cathedral is a metaphor for the building of a new society, with the old ways of thinking and living being torn down to make way for something new.
3. Foreshadowing – Follett uses foreshadowing to hint at events that will happen later in the story. This technique creates tension and anticipation, making the reader eager to know what will happen next.
4. Symbolism – The novel is full of symbols that represent different ideas and themes. The cathedral, for example, is a symbol of both religion and progress, while the outlaw Jack Jackson represents the struggle for freedom and justice.
5. Irony – The use of irony in The Pillars of the Earth adds depth and complexity to the story. For example, the church, which is supposed to be a symbol of moral authority, is often corrupt and morally bankrupt.
6. Flashback – Follett uses flashback to provide backstory and context for the characters and events in the novel. This technique allows the reader to understand the motivations and desires of the characters, adding depth and complexity to the story.
7. Allusion – The author references other works of literature and history through allusion, adding layers of meaning and context to the story. For example, the character of Tom Builder is reminiscent of the Biblical figure of Joseph, who built the pyramids in Egypt.
8. Repetition – The use of repetition in The Pillars of the Earth emphasizes important ideas and themes throughout the novel. For example, the phrase “God’s will” is repeated throughout the story, highlighting the characters’ struggle to understand and interpret the will of God.
9. Motif – A motif is a recurring element that has symbolic significance in the story. In The Pillars of the Earth, motifs include the building of the cathedral, the struggle for power, and the search for truth.
10. Personification – Follett uses personification to give human qualities to non-human entities. For example, the cathedral is personified as a character in the story, with its construction and progress mirroring the lives of the characters who built it.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
The Mockingjay Pin	The Mockingjay pin symbolizes rebellion and hope. It becomes a symbol for the rebels and unites them against the Capitol.
The Hanging Tree	The Hanging Tree song symbolizes both death and resistance. It serves as a reminder of the past and the oppression of the Capitol.
The White Rose	President Snow leaves a white rose as a symbol of his power and control over Katniss, a way to instill fear and remind her of his presence.

2. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
Peeta’s warning	When Peeta is interviewed on television and warns District 13 of an impending attack, it foreshadows the Capitol’s relentless pursuit of the rebels.
The fate of District 12	The destruction of District 12 foreshadows the extreme measures the Capitol will take to maintain control over the districts.
President Coin’s ambitions	President Coin’s power struggles and ruthless decisions foreshadow her own ambitions for control and the potential danger she poses to Katniss and the rebels.

3. Irony

Example	Explanation
Katniss as the Mockingjay	The irony of Katniss becoming the symbol of the rebellion, despite her initial reluctance and her personal struggles with her role.
Peeta’s transformation	Peeta, who was once Katniss’s ally and love interest, is brainwashed by the Capitol and turned against her, creating dramatic irony as the reader is aware of his true feelings.
President Coin’s death	The irony of Katniss killing President Coin, who was supposed to be an ally in the fight against the Capitol, as she recognizes Coin’s own hunger for power and potential to become another tyrant.

4. Allusion

Example	Explanation
Roman Empire	The Capitol, with its gladiator-like games and opulence, alludes to the Roman Empire and its eventual downfall due to decadence and corruption.
The Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur	The Hunger Games trilogy, including “Mockingjay,” alludes to the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, where young people are sacrificed to a monster as a form of tribute and control.
The Biblical story of David and Goliath	Katniss’s fight against the Capitol and President Snow is an allusion to the story of David and Goliath, with the underdog (Katniss) challenging a powerful and seemingly unbeatable enemy (the Capitol).

5. Imagery

Example	Explanation
The ruins of District 12	Vivid descriptions of the destruction of District 12 create a haunting image of the Capitol’s cruelty and the effects of war.
The underground city of District 13	The imagery of the bunker-like city of District 13 conveys the stark, regimented life that the rebels endure.
The battlefield	The vivid descriptions of the various battle scenes throughout the novel create intense, visceral images that emphasize the horrors of war.

FAQs 💭