Point of View

The entirety of Like a House on Fire is written from a third-person point of view that is attached to the perspective of its central protagonist, Merit. The decision not to employ a first-person point of view is crucial to McBrayer's exploration of the ways in which subtle factors of a patriarchal society—such as internalized misogyny, internalized homophobia, and other unfortunate byproducts—affect the actions and behaviors of even individuals who reject patriarchal standards and norms. Furthermore, choosing to attach the point of view entirely to Merit's perspective is crucial and necessary to the ability of the novel to build tension and suspense around the romantic questions at the core of its plot.

Although Merit herself seeks to be an empowered woman and clearly finds a great deal of inspiration and joy in her relationship with Jane (whom she reveres for her ability to...