How Does the Structure of Noughts and Crosses Help to Reinforce Key Themes in the Novel

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How does the structure of Noughts and Crosses help to reinforce the key themes in the novel? In this essay I will be analysing and evaluating the structural techniques used in Malorie Blackman’s language throughout the novel, and identifying the different layers of meaning within by using textual evidence from the book itself. The theme of racism is very strong all the way through the book and is demonstrated in Blackman’s use of structural devices. Sephy really wants the relationship between her and Callum to be accepted in society and says, “There was just one thing that stopped my day from being entirely perfect. If only Callum and I didn’t have to sneak and creep around. If only Callum wasn’t a nought.” Blackman uses the near rhyming verbs “sneak” and “creep” to show that the love between them was disallowed, forcing the couple to keep private and secretive. The phrase “if only Callum wasn’t a nought” also shows that Sephy understands the only way they could be together would be if they were both of the same race; in this case the crosses. The writer repeats the words “if only” to also portray Sephy’s realisation of how her culture would not accept this relationship unless Callum was a cross. The major theme of love is conveyed in the novel in Blackman’s use of different linguistic devices. For example, when Callum is accepted into Heathcroft school he believed that it would allow him to be with Sephy in public because it is a high level of schooling and he says, “And with a proper education behind me, nothing could stand in the way of me and Sephy. Nothing,” Blackman uses “nothing could stand in the way” to declare that Callum is fully convinced that he could defy societies racism. It also shows he has a very determined and courageous character. The qualities of which are fuelled by his love for Sephy and he knows that he may not have had them before he

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