76 pages • 2 hours read
Harlan CobenNo Second Chance
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Symbols & Motifs
Shifts in Narrative Perspective
Throughout the novel, Coben switches from Marc’s first-person narration to omniscient third-person narration that focuses on specific characters. Marc narrates the first section of the novel, before the 18-month time jump, entirely in first person. From Chapter 8 onwards, there are often multiple shifts in narrative perspective that follow various characters as they perform tasks or have conversations away from Marc’s immediate surroundings. These shifts are not always towards antagonists working against Marc. For instance, Tickner’s conversation with Pistillo ends with Tickner’s removal from the case, which does not affect Marc negatively at all. This motif represents Marc’s loss of control over his own narrative, but by the end of the novel, Marc is able to narrate the epilogue in full control of his story at last.
Monica’s Password-Protected CD
The CD is a symbol that represents two things simultaneously. The fact that the existence of the CD itself is secret, along with its password and contents, means that the CD is a symbol of Monica’s utter lack of trust in Marc. The object is a complete mystery to Marc on purpose, because Monica felt its contents prove that Marc cannot be trusted. This leads to the second act of representation that this symbol carries out: the pictures on the CD themselves symbolize the threat of erasure to Monica, showing her that she is about to be replaced. They are the catalyst for her decision to shoot Marc.
The Picture of Rachel, Marc, Lenny, and Cheryl
This picture of Marc and Rachel with Lenny and Cheryl back in college that Marc keeps locked away is a symbol that signifies where Marc’s heart secretly remains. This picture is a positive symbol for Marc, but it is another sign to Monica that Rachel still has Marc’s love. The symbol means the same thing to both of them: that Marc secretly longs for Rachel instead of Monica. This is the symbol for Marc’s big secret, but two other copies exist. One is in Rachel’s Washington, DC, apartment and the other usually hangs in Lenny and Cheryl’s den. Rachel’s copy of the photograph likely means the same thing as Marc’s copy: They still care for each other. Lenny’s copy, however, does not mean the same thing and has been taken down by the time Marc and Rachel show up at his house after Lydia’s ambush at Marc’s house. Lenny’s copy depicts him and his wife with two of their dearest friends, which must be difficult to look at for Lenny, given that he is actively betraying them while they rely on his support. Lenny’s copy has been taken down to assuage his guilty conscience.
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