Analysis

In this section, we will highlight the elements of our analysis of “A Place in the Sun” by Joanne Harris.

The story mostly follows a non-linear plot structure, while including narrative techniques like backstory and foreshadowing.

The characters include an unnamed girl, as the protagonist, and her friends Tanya and Lucida, as secondary characters. Other secondary characters are the people in the All-Public beach and those on the Gold and Platinum beaches, who form collective characters. Note that the protagonist also mentions her mother.

The events take place in a dystopian society, where access to the best beach – the Platinum Sands™ - and to various social advantages, are reserved only for the young and beautiful. Other less exclusive beaches are mentioned as well, such as Silver Sands™, Golden Sands™, and the All-Public beach. The social setting explores such themes as impossible beauty standards and social segregation.

The events are described by a first-person narrator, who is also the protagonist. She gives a detailed insight into her life, her thoughts, and the society she lives in.

The language is simple, mixing narration with stream of consciousness, which helps the reader understand more about the protagonist and her life.

You can read the full analysis in the following pages.