47 pages • 1 hour read
Tim GreenUnstoppable
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Literary Devices
Foreshadowing
Green weaves considerable examples of foreshadowing into the narrative to hint at future events and developments in Harrison’s story. For instance, the opening scene describes Harrison’s keen interest as he watches a football game on TV, and his rapt attention to the details of the game, as well as his philosophical musings about the players, foreshadow his future determination to embrace football as a primary pursuit and a means to achieve a much brighter future. This early foreshadowing also hints at the role that football will play in helping him to overcome his challenges and providing him with an enduring sense of motivation. Such instances of foreshadowing build suspense within the plot and enhance the reader’s engagement with the unfolding story.
Imagery
Green’s use of imagery brings the story to life. For example, the author’s harsh descriptions of the farm, the grueling work, and Harrison’s physical state paint a clear picture of his challenging life, and the depiction of his injured eye creates a vivid visual image and emphasizes his broader pain and suffering. Similarly, the contrasting imagery of the nurturing environment at the Kellys’ home offers a sense of hope and change. The frequent use of figurative language and descriptive imagery effectively evokes a full palette of emotions and creates a sense of empathy for Harrison’s journey.
Third-Person Limited Perspective
The novel primarily employs a third-person limited point of view, focusing closely on Harrison’s experiences, thoughts, and emotions. By restricting the narrative to Harrison’s perceptions, Green crafts a scenario that compels readers to empathize deeply with the protagonist’s struggles and triumphs. Even when the character’s perceptions of reality are skewed by his unresolved frustrations or his fears for the future, the stylistic choice to depict the world through his teenage eyes creates a sense of immediacy and urgency as readers connect deeply with the protagonist’s world. This choice of perspective is a particularly powerful way to convey the inner turmoil and resilience of a young boy who must navigate immense challenges.
