The Past’s Influence on the Present

In “Lila,” the past invades the present with the narrator alternating between two time periods constantly and seamlessly. Weaving the past and present into one narrative, the author demonstrates how the past informs the present which is shaped by the past. The story begins in the past with Lila as a lonely child rescued by Doll, and it progresses until they join with Doane’s people before jumping to the present. This introduction demonstrates that Lila has known loneliness from a very young, vulnerable age, and this feeling pervades both her past and her present.

The past’s influence on the present is most clearly demonstrated by the fact that Lila’s brutal past makes it difficult for her to accept love and happiness. Lila’s past delivers her to Gilead where she meets and ultimately marries Reverend Ames. From...