David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas is a very unique work of conceptual fiction. On the surface it is a combination of six stories written in a palindromic structure, each story told using different narrative methods with protagonists varying in time period, nationality, and gender. Arguably, readers are not given enough time and content to be able to empathize with one character before moving on to the next, especially with an unexpected transition of stories that could create interruptions and break the coherence of the novel. However, in each illustration of the struggles faced by the protagonists, Mitchell portrays the strength and richness of each character and elicits empathy from readers. The interconnections between the characters become evident as the novel progresses; the complexity of the connections is difficult to summarize, but includes the symbolism of the comet birthmark and other stories involving the concept of reincarnation. The postmodernist presents himself as the protagonist by criticizing the authenticity of the previous narrator; switching between first-, second- and third-person narration and cliffhangers keep readers engaged in the story; tragic elements such as character deaths bring about catharsis in readers, which allows readers to build a better emotional connection with the characters. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayMitchell connects the sextet with the constant implication of the concept of reincarnation, the symbolism of the comet birthmark is hinted at in every story except the first story "The Pacific Journal of Adam Ewing", which may be evidence that Ewing is the first generation. It is important to underline that, through the representation of each protagonist's reaction to the discovery of the symbolic, “coincidences happen continuously. But it is undeniably shaped like a comet,” Mitchell emphasizes the connection as their reactions mirror each other. The comet birthmarks that appear between the collarbones and shoulder blades represent more than just a common symbol; The “comet” as a transitory celestial object that appears after a certain time, reflects the process of reincarnation (reappears after a certain time). Michell displays comet-shaped birthmarks supporting the idea of ​​reincarnation with his six characters. Michell uses direct symbolism or quotation to imply the concept of reincarnation. Arys' work titled “Eternal Recurrence” and “Matryoshka Doll Variation”; Cavendish's hypothesis that "Luisa Rey is this reincarnated Robert Frobisher", the connection between Frobisher and Sixsmith as Sixsmith suggests "I feel like I've known you for years" when they first meet, and Cavendish's surprising misunderstanding of "the sick teenage squid Zachary ” as Zachary is the protagonist in the later story. These are further evidence of their reincarnation. Furthermore, dreams and memories are constantly mentioned. Mitchell implies the idea of ​​how Rey is familiar with the scenes in Frobisher's letters, "images so vivid that he can only call them memories" which could be interpreted as proof of the concept of reincarnation. Arys dreams of a "nightmare cafe" which is the Papa Song restaurant where Sonmi works. Readers might predict that Arys will be reincarnated as a customer , however, "I had been dead for a long, long time" suggests otherwise. Arys' realization of his own death is contradictory, with his symbolic title of the work, Arys appears to act as the prophet in this story with the ability to see the future. Additionally, each protagonist has access to the previous narrator's story. Frobisher finds Ewing's diary;Rey reads letters between Frobisher and Sixsmith; Cavendish receives the fiction illustrating Rey's life; Sonmi watches Cavendish's movie and Zachry sees Sonmi's poster. However, it is worth reflecting on the authenticity of the stories. Ewing's diary is edited by his son. Mitchell himself raises doubts about its authenticity, postmodernism is used. Through Frobisher, Mitchell suggests that the diary is "too structured for a real diary" as the connection of two stories is created. Ewing's diary ends with a half-sentence, which may be frustrating and interrupting for readers. Mitchell, however, explains this from Frobisher's perspective as "about forty pages later, where the binding is worn out" where readers would be engaging with Frobisher. Likewise, Rey's story ends right at the climax with Rey being "kicked off a bridge" because Cavendish's edition has "run out of pages." Mitchell's matryoshka doll style of writing, with one story covering another, the actual existence of the story is difficult for readers to identify. It is open to interpretation whether the stories are actual events that happened or just simple stories made by Zachry. and passes to his son. Mitchell proposes the idea of ​​"an infinite matryoshka of painted moments" in which each shell represents a story, and Zachry's story as the outer shell enclosing Sonmi's oration contradicts the idea of ​​reincarnation. Cloud Atlas includes tragic elements as the protagonist faces his struggles. . Tragic elements could create catharsis in readers, inevitable tragic events could trigger memories of readers' lives and cause pathos. It makes readers feel more connected to the characters. The respectful deaths of two protagonists and many other characters are presented, even if for different reasons they are all, in some way, victims. Like Sonmi, she is again a victim of the Unanimity protest, Rafael is a victim of rape, and Sachs is a victim of Swannekke's plan. One could even argue that those are sacrifices, Mitchell makes their deaths an essential part of the protest. The concept of inevitability is mentioned by Mitchell through Rey's conversation with Jarvis, as they discuss the possibility of changing the future, "not a function of metaphysics but... of power" as a conclusion suggesting the inexorability of future events. The inevitability of their death arouses readers' sympathy, allows readers to connect the power of fate to their life. Furthermore, by allowing readers to see the danger looming before the protagonists with foreshadowing, as Frobisher proposes that the goose poisons Ewing by "feeding his hypochondria to poison him" before Ewing realizes, Mitchell creates frustration. It makes readers feel more empathetic to the characters and creates a stronger emotional connection. Although there are multiple narrators, Michell creates richness in each protagonist. Mitchell uses first-person narration to illustrate Ewing's story. Ewing is presented as a conflicted person, physically and mentally. His “ailment” is mentioned several times, which means the conflict of his physical health that will affect him throughout the journey. Ewing's proposition that "cynicism can blind the subtlest virtues" appears to be shifting, in his journal he constantly challenges his own opinion, while altering his attitude towards Goose (from "Bedlamite" to "gentleman") who leads to serious consequences. As the protagonist of the story, unlike other characters, Ewing who describes himself as a "sentimentalist I might be", shows awareness towards racism and violation of the natural world as the story progresses. Readers were able to see how racism is ingrained.