The Power of Hope

From its opening paragraphs, the action of the novel and the choices of many of its characters are defined by the motivating power of hope. More specifically, the plot and story are driven almost entirely by the hope of protagonist Charlie that he can make a better life for himself and for his family. The book’s earlier chapters express this through action and implication, as Charlie makes what proves to be mistaken choices that he believes will help him realize that goal, but which ultimately present very real physical and moral danger. Later, when he believes he is in sight of the finish line associated with accomplishing his goal in a less risky way, he actually uses the word hope in relation to what he has done, and what he is about to do. “There was always hope,” he comments in his...