Literary Device: Flashback
Example: The entire novel is structured around the flashback of Tommo Peaceful's last night before his execution in World War I. The story jumps back and forth between his present situation and his past memories, ultimately culminating in his death.
Page: While this device permeates the entire book, it's explicitly established in the opening chapter:
* Page 1: "I'm lying here in this cell, on this straw bed, on the last night of my life, waiting to be shot in the morning."
* Page 2: "And that, I suppose, is why I am thinking of Charlie now. My brother."
This opening sets the stage for the flashback structure that drives the narrative.
Impact: The use of flashback allows Morpurgo to:
* Explore Tommo's inner world: We learn about his character, his past, and his relationships through his memories.
* Build suspense: The reader knows Tommo is going to die, creating tension as we piece together the events that led to his execution.
* Show the impact of war: The contrast between Tommo's idyllic childhood and the horrors of war is heightened by the flashback structure.
This is just one example of the many literary devices used in "Private Peaceful." The novel skillfully employs imagery, symbolism, and other techniques to create a powerful and moving story about the human cost of war.