Poetic Devices:
* Meter and Rhyme: Hopkins uses a variety of meter and rhyme schemes, often irregular, to create a conversational and often jarring tone. This helps create a sense of realism and the emotional rollercoaster of the characters.
* Imagery: The book is filled with vivid imagery, particularly when describing the physical and emotional experiences of the characters, such as the pain of burns, the confusion of addiction, and the isolation of neglect.
* Simile and Metaphor: These figures of speech are used to create deeper meaning and connect the reader to the characters' experiences. For example, Hopkins might compare the characters' pain to fire or the feeling of being lost in a dark forest.
* Personification: This technique is used to give human qualities to inanimate objects, such as comparing the pain of a burn to a living creature.
Narrative Techniques:
* Free Verse: Hopkins uses free verse, meaning the poetry is not bound by traditional rhyme and meter, which gives her flexibility in expressing the emotional and psychological complexities of her characters.
* First-Person Narrative: The story is told from the perspective of the main character, which provides a more intimate and personal view of the events.
* Multiple Perspectives: While the story is mainly told from the perspective of the main character, Hopkins might occasionally switch to other characters' viewpoints to provide a more rounded understanding of the situation.
Themes and Motifs:
* Repetition: Hopkins uses repetition of words or phrases to emphasize certain themes or to highlight the cyclical nature of addiction and abuse.
* Symbolism: Certain objects, actions, or images are used to represent larger ideas. For example, fire could symbolize both the literal burn injury and the emotional pain of the character.
Overall: "Burned" uses a variety of literary devices to create a powerful and impactful narrative. The combination of verse, vivid imagery, and impactful themes make the story both relatable and emotionally charged.