Across a Hundred Mountains is a novel written by Reyna Grande. It is based on Grande's childhood and fears of abandonment when her parents left her and her siblings under their grandmother to look for work "on the other side." Although the narrative is a partial coverage of his life, it illustrates the challenges children often face when abandoned by their parents. The essay will focus on the analysis of literary elements such as the theme of family ties, characterization and symbolism. The essence of the family lays the foundation for the development of children. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Apa's struggle looking for work to help support his family by going to the "other side" or El otro lado" highlights how he loves his family. Despite the disconnection, he runs the risk of crossing the border between Mexico and the United States as her motivation is to achieve the American dream of a better life Juana's decision to look for her father after 19 years shows the need to reconnect as she felt alone and wanted to know what became of her father. .“Amá and Apá had held each other close as now, but Juana had been placed between them, so that they could share their grief as a family” (Great 17). Juana blames herself for her death, her father is sorry, in fact, Apa takes the blame for her death: “It was my fault, Juana, I should have worked harder to get us out of there hours, and little by little I could have build us a better house, closer to the city" (Large 18). This took a different turn as Apa's perspective as head of the house was based on providing for his family and building a strong shelter. This describes the commitment of the family. The characterization aspect is used effectively by Grande. Characterization helps you understand the story. The illustration also brings out the various themes of the novel as the character reinforces the themes addressed by Grande, for example the death of Maria ouch on the themes of poverty. Apa's family lived in poverty. Maria, one of the characters, died from the scorpion sting. Since the family had no money; it was difficult to take her to the hospital. Furthermore, Josephine also dies before being born. It seemed that she had already given up on life since, in dying, she had already left her mother's women: “It was as if she had given up on life, even before she was born. One day she loosened her grip and was stillborn at four months old" (Big 19). Giovanna as the protagonist helps to understand her family. She is 12 years old, despite her innocence, she feels guilty for the death of her sister. Like a girl responsible, takes courage and begins to search for her father aimlessly, the depiction of Juana's in-depth life story shows how life encounters affect children as they grow up The other significant character is Adeline who is 17 years old is complicated and she was driven by love as she ran away with her boyfriend to Mexico, she lives a humble life, she is also friendly, honest and caring kicked out of the house (Big 21). Keep in mind: this is just one example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay. The use of symbolism is evident in the novel. The great use of symbolism comes through freedom. The symbolism of freedom is strong as Adelina fights to gain freedom and recover her father. Adelina is ready to take the bones as her hope is rekindled. There.