Summary
Room is the story of five year old Jack and his Ma who live in a 11 by 11 foot bedroom. It is Jacks everything, it has taught him how to walk, talk, clean, play, and learn. His Ma has created an entire fantasy inside of Room in order for Jack to grow up in as much of a normal childhood setting as possible. Why has she created this fantasy world you may ask? Ma has been a prisoner of Room for seven years when she was kidnapped by Old Nick at age 17. She gave birth to Jack in Room thanks to Old Nick and hasn't seen "outside" or room ever since she was kidnapped. Jacks curiosity though is creating tense situations for Ma as she begins to realize that Room is no longer a livable space. It is time to leave.
JackJack is a five year old boy who has been born and raised inside of Room his entire life so far. He is the main character of the novel and sometimes the narrator throughout. |
MaMa is the other main character throughout the novel. She raises Jack inside of Room in hopes to make him feel as though he has a normal childhood. |
Old NickOld Nick is the man who comes into Room at night when Jack is sleeping in wardrobe. He comes in only to creak the bed with Ma and deliver Sunday treats once a week. He is the ruler of Room and the one who kidnapped Ma when she was just 19. He is also Jacks father, but Jack does not know that. |
As the story progresses, Jack and Ma tell their story of how they ended up in Room and how they've adapted to the living situations. Ma is starting to get upset with Jack because he keeps asking questions about outside world and Ma is running out of fantasies to make up to hide the truth from Jack. Which by reading the book, one can see how as Jack is getting older he is having a hard time differentiation the difference between illusion vs, reality.
Theme:There comes a time where lying begins to admit the truth |
Quotes by Jack
Lamp goes out. Old Nick squeaks Bed, I count to ninety-seven then I think I missed one so I lose count"(Donoghue 70).
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Quotes by Ma
"He made me take some bad medicine so I'd fall asleep. Then when I woke up I was here"(Donoghue 94).
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