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Dear Martin Literary Elements

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Dear Martin by Nic Stone is a poignant and gut-wrenching coming-of-age novel that tackles the harsh realities of racism and police brutality in America. In one key scene, we see the protagonist Justyce McAllister face the brunt of police brutality for simply trying to help his inebriated ex-girlfriend. This scene stands out because it epitomizes the struggles and the identity crisis that young black men face in America. Nic Stone's masterful use of literary elements such as symbolism and imagery effectively develops the central theme of racism and social injustice in the novel. To begin with, the imagery used by Stone in the scene effectively highlights the brutality of the assault that Justyce experiences. The sound of his skull hitting the concrete is described as "one of the worst sounds you can ever hear" (Stone 4), evoking a visceral reaction from the reader. This imagery emphasizes the physical and emotional trauma that Justyce experiences and emphasizes the violence and brutality that Black individuals face at the hands of law enforcement. By using such vivid imagery, Stone emphasizes the harsh reality of the ongoing struggle for social justice. …show more content…

The hoodie is used as a symbol of his Blackness, and when the police officer attacks Justyce, he assumes that he is a criminal solely based on his clothing. The hoodie thus becomes a symbol of racial profiling and the inherent bias that law enforcement officers have against Black individuals. As Justyce reflects, "I didn't even have to open my mouth, and the cop was already in fight-or-flight mode" (Stone 9). Through this symbolism, Stone emphasizes the complexity of racial identity and the discrimination that Black individuals face. The symbolism of the hoodie also underscores the importance of challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about

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