The novel is written in a diaristic format, as Tod writes daily entries in the journal as mandated by Mrs. Woodrow. The journal begins as a punishment for destroying school property. He is initially reticent and defensive in his writing, and he doesn’t reveal the truth about the incident until the end. He questions Mrs. Woodrow’s motivations for forcing him to write in the journal but goes along with it after being left with no other choice. The journal also represents the behavioral and mental divide between Tod and his “droogs.” They are outside picking up trash and doing yardwork, while he is inside writing: “My loyal garbage-picking droogs think I’m getting my sharp edges removed by you in some weird mind game that is being played on me” (9). The “mind game” is Mrs. Woodrow’s belief in his potential for redemption via reflection in the journal.

As the novel progresses, the journal becomes a symbol for Tod’s growth, which comes about due to The Power of Self-Expression. Writing down his feelings, both of fear and joy, legitimizes them: “I wish I hadn’t written down my wish. Now I can’t pretend it never happened” (100).