Literary Critique of I am the Cheese by Robert Cormier (A+)
I am the Cheese is a compelling and unconventional novel. The novel's major strengths include the uses of a powerful theme, an intriguing title, and sophisticated writing techniques. It has three levels of narration that are interdependent, and yet keep the reader in a permanent state of confusion. Robert Cormier manages to create a puzzling, disturbing atmosphere for the most part of the novel, which fits in well with the theme of the book. He effectively reveals the theme, which is a revelation about the lies in our depraved society, with the use of manipulation and complex writing techniques. The title of the novel is also a extension of the book's message, which contributes to the intensity of the story. In I am the Cheese, the main theme of the story deals with a weak, individual teenager facing the Establishment, and confronting the evil and lies which exists in our society. It is a story about the fight of the individual against a system where the lines between friend and enemy are blurred. An illustration of this would be Adam's acquaintance with Mr. Grey and Brint. The reader cannot clearly label these mysterious people as good or bad. Although Adam and his family are under th
In conclusion, I am the Cheese is a powerful, unique novel which deals with the morbid realities of life. It provides the reader with ideas to contemplate about our society, the facts which are kept from us, and the individual struggle against the Establishment. The elements which make up this impressive story include a prominent theme and title, the use of captivating techniques, and a complex mood. Robert Cormier has accomplished a stunning, memorable novel, and subsequent reading will fascinate the reader with new insight hidden between the lines. To create such an intense atmosphere in I am the Cheese, the author used a variety of writing techniques. These fascinating and extremely sophisticated methods assist the novel in manoeuvring the readers, and disintegrating the distinction between reality and hallucination. An instance of this occurs in the denouement of the novel. The reader learns that the bike ride had just been a figment of Adam's imagination, interlaced with impressions from the real people around him. In an effective and unique technique, the writer throws a blinding shadow on an entire book with the last interview transcription. Suddenly, the most inconsequential clues come together, and reveal the secrets that are hidden underneath. The story is full of blank spaces which provide hidden meanings that come together like a jigsaw puzzle at the end. Uncertainties such as why Adam is unable to contact Amy, or what Adam is carrying to his father on his adventure, are all neatly resolved. The author's writing techniques, which include flashbacks, give way for alternative turns and
Some common words found in the essay are:
Farmer Dell, Grey Brint, Robert Cormier, Amy Adam, Cormier Cheese, writing techniques, Uncertainties Adam, robert cormier, bike ride, ride interview tapes, interview tapes, ride interview, theme novel, series links, title novel, title book,
Approximate Word count = 1084
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
