Analysis

In the following section, we will give you some ideas for analyzing Push by Sapphire.

The novel’s structure is somewhat confusing, as it uses a number of flashbacks and skips across time periods to tell various parts of Precious’ story. The title of the story is also important to consider because it has both literal and symbolic connections to Precious’ life.

The story contains several important characters. The main character is Claireece Precious Jones, who is also the first-person narrator. Other significant characters include Precious’ parents, as well as her reading teacher, Ms Rain, and the girls in her reading class.

The story’s setting is focused on Harlem, a poor neighborhood within New York City. The social setting covers numerous social issues, such as class discrimination and racial discrimination.

The story is told by Precious, who acts as a first-person narrator. The narrative voice is unusual because Precious speaks in a specific sociolect while telling her story, giving a strong impression of her social background and her struggles with the education system. The narrative also incorporates other voices, such as that of Precious’ teacher Ms Rain, who writes to ...