Life as We Knew It

by

Susan Pfeffer

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on Life as We Knew It makes teaching easy.

Life as We Knew It Symbols

The Moon

Traditionally the moon often symbolizes a natural rhythm or cycle, but the moon in Life As We Knew It has been knocked off course by a dense asteroid. The moon in this novel, then, represents…

read analysis of The Moon

The Ash Cloud

When the ash from erupting volcanoes first appears in the air, turning the sky a murky gray, Miranda is relieved because it obscures the moon and wistfully writes in her journal, “I’m glad I don’t…

read analysis of The Ash Cloud

Miller’s Pond

Miller’s pond is a local pond where Miranda and her family swim, skate, and socialize. After the events of the moon impact and resulting natural disasters, Miller’s pond remained an oasis for Miranda. While the…

read analysis of Miller’s Pond

The Pantry

In the days following the disaster, Laura, Mrs. Nesbitt, Jonny, and Miranda have a shopping spree for nonperishable items, which they use to fill their pantry. It is later re-stocked with boxes…

read analysis of The Pantry

The Yellow Flyer

At the end of the novel, when her family’s food supply is almost gone, Miranda walks toward town, intending to spare her family from having to witness her death. When she can walk no further…

read analysis of The Yellow Flyer

Get the entire Life as We Knew It LitChart as a printable PDF.
Life as We Knew It PDF