What is typography?
The way the text is laid out on the page.This can include font, font size and spacing.
Presenting people as stereotypes rather than realistic characters.
A kind of imagery used by Galloway.
Why does Galloway employ unusual typography within the text?
To visually represent difficulties of Joy’s breathing in the novel.
It is a visual representation of Joy’s psychological state. It helps us see the world from her perspective.
To be original and create a post-modern novel.
What is the effect of the blank spaces in the novel?
This represents the other characters’ misunderstanding of Joy. They are taking time trying to work her out.
This shows Joy has lost consciousness.
This represents Joy’s mind drifting or going blank. This can also signal something terrible has happened.
When do scripted conversations tend to occur in the novel?
When Joy is preparing for or relating conversations with people in positions of power.
When Joy has conversations with doctors.
When Joy is hallucinating conversations that do not really occur.
What do the three Os represent at the beginning of every chapter?
They represent the pills Joy is taking every time the shapes occur in the novel.
They are the design choice of the publisher.
They represent the circular images that remind Joy of Michael's. There is repeated reference to an O shape.
Why does Joy use lists?
They are a means of controlling information. They break down information and help her to make sense of the world.
It is the way she writes things down so she does not forget them in her unstable state of mind.
It helps the reader to digest the information.
What are the effects of putting incomplete text in the margins?
These are flashbacks to fragments of dreams Joy has had.
It shows Joy’s thoughts drifting off during conversations or episodes.
They show other characters' words intruding on Joy's thinking.
What are italics largely used for in the novel?
For emphasis, when something dramatic happens.
For flashbacks to Michael’s death to separate this from the rest of the narrative.
To reflect when Joy is dreaming.
What are some of the effects of using a first person narrative?
The reader is brought straight into the experiences and opinions of the central character. We experience the world as they do.
We feel detached and disconnected from the central character.
We hear the story from an objective viewpoint.
Why does Galloway capitalize the maxims or sayings Joy believes in?
It shows they have authority and persuasion.
They are usually titles of articles Joy is reading.
To emphasise the truth behind the sayings.