Description Of The Novel 'Nineteen Minutes' By Jodi Picoult

Title: “Nineteen Minutes”

Author: Jodi Picoult

Setting: The novel takes place a small town in Sterling, New Hampshire, where the tale begins to unravel in the school grounds of Sterling High. As the novel progresses the setting changes and begins to move through the homes of the main characters and the courtroom.

Overview:

“Nineteen Minutes” is a dramatic and mysterious novel that exposes the consequences of bullying, and engrosses into a tragedy that destroyed the lives of so many in just nineteen minutes. Picoult engages in the contemplation that so much can happen when we least expect it, and emphasizes that in a timespan of just nineteen minutes, entire futures can be changed – for both good and bad.

Characters

Peter Houghton

Josie Cormier

Alex Cormier

Lacy & Lewis Houghton

Matt Royston

Jordan McAfee Character Description

The antagonist of the novel – he is the offender who shot and killed his classmates, as well as injuring 19 others at his school, Sterling High.

Peter’s ex-best friend and Matt’s current girlfriend.

Josie’s mother; she is a judge at the towns Superior court.

Peter’s parents

Josie’s boyfriend; he is an intimidating jock who bullies Peter. He is a victim of the murder.

Peter’s defense attorney

General Plot:

The novel begins at Sterling High where the author unravels the story of a 17-year-old school student, Peter Houghton, who is bullied, both physically and verbally, his entire childhood. The novel explores Peters’ development as a child in conjunction to the bullying, which ultimately explains why he felt the need for incessant revenge. Peter is an average boy, unnoticed by the popular kids, living in the shadows of his successful brother, and ultimately struggling to be included and notice...

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... bullying. Bullying is one of the most severe and preventable issues of society, especially amongst the youth. However, it is clear that society has failed to address this issue because it is so often that we hear stories of harassment, intimidation, and supremacy over our fellow human beings.

Unfortunately, bullying is often used as instant gratification to build ones own self-esteem by putting down others and making them feel insecure, so that ultimately one feels superior – which is highlighted by the character of Matt. People are in awe of instant gratification and need it to feel satisfied. For this reason we become ignorant to the consequences of our actions, and bullying becomes a norm in society. Picoult uses her novel to appeal to society to open our eyes and see the truth, in hope that one day she will cause a change and provide guidance to her audience.