The Past and Present

The past and present are constantly intertwining throughout the novel. This is reflected physically in the alternating chapters that go from modern day to the 18th century. It can also be seen symbolically in the book of records, which was used by Peabody in the past and later read by Simon in the present. The notations that Simon reads about in the book play out on the page in the chapters taking place in the 1700s, creating a deeper connection with the past and present. The stakes with this record book are particularly high, since Simon needs to use the details found in the past to keep his sister from dying in the present.

Tarot cards provide a similarly important role in the novel for connecting the past and the present. The cards initiated with Madame Ryzhkova in the 18th century, then passed...