The Memory Keepers Daughter Analysis

The Mystery of the Memory Keepers Daughter Based off of a true story, “The Memory Keepers Daughter” by Kim Edwards, tells the twisted story of a man, his wife, their kids, and a nurse. The story shows how keeping secrets not only can distress one person but also tear apart a family, and ruin relationships. Norah and her husband, David, once lived a happy life; but after their baby was born dead everything went spiraling downhill. Edwards uses the literary devices of tone, symbolism, and different points of view from the main characters to help drive the message. David and Norah’s relationship in the beginning was nothing but pure happiness and joy. This happiness is short lived once the twins are born. From that point on, the tone of the story was depressing, stressful, and sad. By using these tones, it gives the reader an insight on the feelings of every character. When Phoebe, the one with down syndrome, accomplishes something there are smalls spirts of happiness, but they are gone quickly at the thought of when will something like this happen again. When Edwards gives details on David and Norah’s marriage it is nothing but fighting and stress. Their relationship has no trust and neither of them give their full heart into one another. “INSERT QUOTE” This quote helps the

Norah spends a long part of her day getting the house all ready for a night on their own. She later gets a call from David’s nurse saying he is stuck at work and doesn’t know when he will be home. The camera represents how David is stuck in time, just like how when a picture is taken it represents a specific time. Another strongly emphasized symbol is Phoebe. Phoebe is predicted to live a short and unsuccessful life, yet she out lives her expected life span and also is a happy girl. She represents a large amount of joy and hope, and shows that you can overcome life’s rougher obstacles. “INSERT QUOTE