Point of View

The novel is written in first person from the alternating perspectives of Mildred and Richard. The title of each chapter indicates the perspective of that chapter. Each of the characters relate details of specific events from their point of view, giving the reader a broader overview of what that character thinks and feels about specific events. In each chapter, one character focuses on a time or series of events in their lives. In some cases, one character details the event from one perspective, while the following chapter offers the other's perspective. An example is seen when Mildred tells Richard she is pregnant. She is furious that he questions her about it. When the perspective changes to Richard, he explains that he felt asking if she was certain was a perfectly reasonable response to her news. This alternating perspective gives the reader information from each side...