Structure

Wilkerson structures for nonfiction text in eight parts. All the parts except Part Three are composed of chapters, and there are 31 chapters in the entire book. Wilkerson’s chapters are of varying length, some as short as two pages, and some around 20 pages. Part Three, rather than consisting of chapters, consists of nine sections: an introduction, and a section for each of the eight pillars of caste, which explains that pillar. Wilkerson choosing to give the pillars a separate structure isolates them from the rest of the text and elevates their importance. She distinguishes this section of the book as a powerful analytic framework her readers can use to analyze any caste hierarchy.

Wilkerson’s text integrates data, historical, research, anecdotes, and contemplation to illustrate different aspects of caste and its effects on humanity. Wilkerson blends these varying forms of information and oscillates between them with ease...