Rhetorical Devices

Sparks has a compelling way of encaptivating his readers. He does this through intriguing flashbacks and anecdotes. The novel is told through the anecdote of fifty-seven year old Landon Carter. In many instances, Sparks will foreshadow the present. For example, in the end of chapter two, Sparks does a side remark  *"It wasnt until later that I would learn the reason why..."*

Sparks also uses many biblical allusions and verses. Not only did this empower the possible validity of this novel, but emphasized the possible reality of it. One of my all time favorite verses is in chapter 12, "I cry to you my Lord, my rock! Do not be deaf to me, for if you are silent...".  These allusions had an impact on me when reading it because it made me contemplate more about the plot and about how it connected to my own life. Sparks also asks a lot of rhetorical questions which gets the readers thinking and involved.

The last major rhetorical device Sparks successfully used was imagery. Many of his scenes described were so discriptive and clear in my mind that even the movie couldn't depict. "The sky is overcast and gray, but as I move down the street, I notice that the dogwoods and azaleas are blooming. I zip up my jacket just a little. The temperature is..." As I read this paragraph, my sensory details went into play and I could vividly imagine the feeling, and the sight of what Sparks was trying to portray. Job well done!

Wedding--an actual walk to remember

This scene was told in the last few paragraphs of this intriguing novel. Unlike this image, Jamie was described as being incredible weak and barely able to stand. "With all the strength she had left, Jamie stood shakily as her father supported her. Jamie and Hegbert started moving again, and I felt my heart surge with pride. It was, I remembered thinking, the most difficult walk anyone ever had to make. In every way, a walk to remember" (237).

Themes

There are two obvious themes that stuck out to me when reading this novel. One of the most prevalent themes is love conquers all. Even though Jamie is dying from the rare form of leukemia, the two have experienced true love, which helps them through their time of adversity and hardship. Landon and Jamie decide to get married and experience true love in marital bliss until Jamie passes away. Sparks shows how her walk down the aisle, while painful, is a walk that one will make for true love and affection, (hence the title, A Walk to Remember). Even though true love cannot grant a miracle of her Leukemia going into remission, they both experience the miracle of love and the opportunity to find their soul mate.


Another theme relating to the specific cultural identity of America is superficiality and judgement. The entire story was shaped around overcoming that superficiality and judgement. Sweet Jamie never let anyone take her down, and she saw past everyone's harsh judgements. Landon also overcomes this prevalent nature seen in many people. Landon faced dealing with the rude and intimidating judgement of his peers. For example, in chapter 4, Landon's best friends were making fun of Landon for potentially liking an outcast, Jamie. It wasn't until Jamie announced her dying state that Landon's friends terminated their judgement and cried for forgiveness. Many people in America; even in the entire world, are faced with judgement and superficiality. It was overcoming and not letting these horrid characterists rule that led to the ultimate everlasting love of Jamie and Landon.