Identity

Identity is created and developed through a range of narrative techniques. Francesca questions her identity and importance in the world through the use of a rhetorical question, “Left alone with a dial tone… excuse me operator, why is no one listening?”. The use of this quote shows how Francesca is unsure that anyone is listening to what she has to say. Because of this she feels alone in the world and that there is no one left to talk to.

Francesca’s crisis in her identity and her place in the world is highlighted by the use of hyperbole in the dialogue, “I’ve turned into a delinquent.” Her over exaggeration of the word delinquent, shows us that Francesca has developed from the orientation of the novel to an opinionated, independent thinking teenager as a result of her mother’s illness and her removal from Francesca’s life.

Francesca’s new found friends are also an important part of her rediscovery of herself. This is shown through the use of inner monologue. “I think I'm a bit in love with these girls. They make me feel giddy. Like I haven’t a care in the world. Like I'm fearless. Like I used to be.” Through the use of inner monologue here we find out how Francesca is feeling about her friends and herself. Her friends have brought back that happiness that Francesca used to have.

Towards the end of the novel we see that Francesca begins to realise who she really is and regains the confidence that she lost at the beginning of the novel through the use of plot development. “You go and shake your foundations, Will. I think it’s about time I saved myself.” Francesca’s progression through the novel is shown through this quote as she has become more confident and now believes that she is able to save herself unlike at the beginning of the novel where other people have had to save her.