Albom’s Usage of Literary Devices
The definition of a literary device is a technique a writer uses to produce a special effect in their writing. Author of “Tuesdays With Morrie,” Mitch Albom creates such special effect with his uses of symbolism, flashbacks, and Personification to create his desired outcome.
One literary device Albom uses to get his desired outcome is symbolism. He uses symbolism in numerous parts of the book yet one that stands out as a major symbol is the hibiscus plant that sits on the window sill in Morrie’s studies. The symbolism that ties Morrie to the plant is as Morrie's body deteriorates, so does the condition of the hibiscus plant. The plant's pink petals wither and fall as Morrie grows increasingly dependent on…show more content… He is smiling. Mitch, I say. Mitch is what my friends call me. ''Well Mitch it is then,' Morrie says, as if closing a deal. 'And, Mitch?' Yes? 'I hope that one day you will think of me as your friend' " (24-25) Through this passage, Albom establishes the friendship which he and Morrie share, in addition to their student/teacher bond. It is almost as if throughout the novel Albom is fearful in the present to establish such a friendship, until towards the end where his flashbacks and present narratives begin to show the same compassion between the two men. From the beginning the flashbacks show how a bond was formed between Morrie and Mitch that had been forgotten for quite some time, and was able to be rekindled through all the Tuesdays.
Another literary device that Albom uses is personifying ALS. “ALS creeps up on your body and eats away at it little by little.” (45) Albom personifies ALS like a monster or a demon. This unforgiving disease that causes you to lose the ability to control your body. throughout this book we see conflict because of the way ALS is personified. This disease slowly throughout the book causes Morrie to lose the ability to control parts of his body and bring him one step closer to his death. The conflict good versus evil or Morrie versus ALS is shown through the entire
