Literary Devices in Bronx Masquerade
Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
Setting
Bronx Masquerade takes place in—where else—the Bronx. And yes, we're talking about the borough in New York City. And no, it isn't a fancy part of town.When it comes to the day-to-day lives of t...
Narrator Point of View
Ever read a book with one narrator? How about two? That's child's play. In Bronx Masquerade, we're looking at nineteen different narrators. Whoa.If this seems confusing, rest assured it is not. Bas...
Genre
Sometimes genres are tricky to figure out; other times a book pretty much hits you over the head with its genre. Bronx Masquerade falls into the latter category. Written about teens and for teens,...
Tone
Guess what? Growing up isn't easy. And growing up in the Bronx doesn't necessarily soften the blow. Our cast of characters in Bronx Masquerade has experienced some real hardship, be it the death of...
Writing Style
Nikki Grimes grew up in New York City, so she writes just like kids there talk. You might call it "urban" or "youthful" or "contemporary," but it definitely captures the way you'd image a bunch of...
What's Up With the Title?
The title of this novel—Bronx Masquerade—comes from one of Devon's poems. His verse is all about how he looks and acts one way on the outside, but he feels a totally different way inside. When...
What's Up With the Ending?
The school year is over, and all of Mr. Ward's students have spoken. So what's left to do? Well, there's always next year. See, Mai Tren is new to this school and he's having a tough time fitting i...
Tough-o-Meter
The American Library Association named Bronx Masquerade one of its 2003 "Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers," so you know this book is going to be pretty easy and breezy for anyone high...
Plot Analysis
Young Poets Society Instead of writing an essay for Mr. Ward's section on the Harlem Renaissance, Wesley decides to pen a poem instead. When Mr. Ward has him share it with the whole class, Open Mik...
Trivia
Nikki Grimes has been writing poetry since she was six years old. Whoa. We were still trying to master tying our shoes.
(Source)
There aren't just schools in the Bronx. This borough is also home t...
Steaminess Rating
Bronx Masquerade may have some brief mentions of drugs (don't do 'em, kids) and violence (specifically against the ladies), but there's really no sex at all. Sure, boys like girls and girls like bo...