Point of View

The point of view, generally, is that of the well-informed narrator as is the case in many contemporary mainstream novels. However the author often steps out of her detached, objective stance to speak directly to the reader. Sometimes this discursive style is used to comment on the narrative or to question the motives of the characters; in other instances the author uses it to launch into long-winded exhortations more appropriate to an essay than to a work of fiction. Here are but a few examples:

When Dinah wants to come into Hetty's room at night to tell her something important: "We know she (Dinah) had to tap twice because Hetty had to putout her candles and throw off her black lace scarf." (Chapter 15, p. 165)

"But, my good friend, what will you do then with your fellow-parishioner who opposes your husband in the vestry?" (Chapter 17, p. 184)

"It...