Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Memory and Meaning
Love and Vulnerability
Freedom
Art, Creativity, and Expression
Wonder and Knowledge
Summary
Analysis
New York City. March 18, 2014. Henry and Addie are at the Artifact now. It’s built in a park that runs along a defunct rail line. At the entrance, a volunteer gives them colored rubber wristbands. Each band grants them access to a different part of the exhibition. One exhibit is a giant kaleidoscope-like sculpture made of glass that turns and shifts with each step they take. It's called “Memory.”
The Artifact brings to life one of the book’s main themes: art, expression, and memory—and the way these concepts relate and come together to make life meaningful.
Themes
Another exhibit, “Sky,” is set up inside a tunnel. It’s made by a light artist and consists of a series of rooms. The last room is a black chamber filled with stars; it’s meant to resemble the Milky Way. It’s dark, but Henry can make out Addie’s wide smile. She’s overjoyed that she can still discover new things—even after so many years.
Addie’s delight at Artifact is part of the overarching perspective that has allowed her to persevere through 300 years: her invisibility might be lonely, but this loneliness is worth it, since it allows her the opportunity to discover new things. Addie’s curiosity about the world was what compelled her to make a deal with Luc in the first place, and it’s remained a vital part of her personality ever since.
Themes
