Christopher Booker is a scholar who wrote that every story falls into one of seven basic plot structures: Overcoming the Monster, Rags to Riches, the Quest, Voyage and Return, Comedy, Tragedy, and Rebirth. Shmoop explores which of these structures fits this story like Cinderella’s slipper.
Plot Type : Rebirth
Under the Shadow
Frank Alpine hasn't made much of his life. He's come to New York to make something new of himself. Unfortunately, he's chosen a life of crime and participates in a robbery motivated by racial prejudice. Fortunately, his conscience troubles him. We begin the story knowing that Frank will have a very difficult journey ahead of him, but really hoping he makes it.
Things Seem Strangely Okay
In an effort to make amends, Frank helps out at the store he robbed. Signs suggest his assistance is benefiting the store. Business improves, and the store owners keep him on longer than they first intended. At this stage, we're thinking Frank may soon break his bad habits, but we might be under a false sense of security.
Imprisoned in the Dark
Frank's bad habits haven't vanished. He begins to take money from the register and spy on the owner's daughter Helen while she showers. He stops this, but it's a struggle, and he occasionally falls to temptation. Okay, so Frank isn't resolved to sin no more just yet.
Triumph of the Dark
Morris, the store owner, catches Frank in an act of theft. He fires him. Frank loses himself in despair, fear, and drink. In a crime he regrets immediately, he rapes Helen. We've lost hope for Frank at this point. We might have even stopped sympathizing with him. He's gone about as low as you can go ... and this definitely isn't a game of limbo.
Redemption
Frank can't make things right with Helen and stays uncomfortably close. When Morris dies, he takes over running the store. In time, however, Helen begins to forgive him. He joins the faith of the store owners, becoming a Jew. We don't know if life will improve for him, but at least we have a sign that he's resolved to make an effort.