The Writing of A Taste of Blackberries
Doris Buchanan Smith wrote the children’s novel A Taste of Blackberries. In the novel the reader is introduced to the protagonist, who remains unnamed throughout the novel, and his best friend Jamie. The story follows these two boys through their daily lives; they pick berries together, play games, they get into trouble, and they enjoy each other’s company. Smith applies subtle literary devices throughout the novel in order to teach children about what it is like to deal with the loss of a loved one. As a result of these subtle literary devices Smith’s novel has been considered quite successful, although it was once thought to be very controversial.
Within the first few chapters, Smith uses symbolism to foreshadow …show more content…
The first stage of grief is known as denial/isolation, the protagonist is exhibiting signs of this stage through pages 42-48. The protagonist keeps himself away from his family. He does this by staying locked away in his room or alone in the bathtub. Our protagonist does not show anger until he is at the funeral parlor when he ran outside and “snatched a yellow bloom from the stem and began tearing it to shreds” (49). Our protagonist then goes through the bargaining and depression stages before he finally comes to acceptance. Our protagonist finally accepts Jamie’s death after the funeral, and he eats the first meal he has eaten since Jamie’s death, afterwards he picks two basketfuls of blackberries, one for himself and one for Jamie’s mother. When the protagonist gives the basket of berries to Jamie’s mother, then he has completely gained closure. By this gesture, the protagonist was also able to say all the things he wanted to tell Jamie’s mom, and Jamie’s mother happily accepted and told the protagonist to “be sure to come slam the door for me now and then”