Narrator

Though a great deal of information about the narrator is not provided, he gives a brief autobiographical sketch in the initial part of the book. The narrator embarks on a strange journey by moving to Savannah in order to leave crowded, harsh New York City. The events of the story unfold as the narrator characterizes friends and acquaintances, and is a witness to the development of the murder trial of Jim Williams. Nearly the entire point of view is told from the narrator's standpoint, collecting information on the spot. He keeps up an impersonal tone throughout the book, interpreting characters' words and actions without imposing his own judgments or thoughts. Characters are aware that the narrator is writing a book about Savannah and the murder trial, so they seem to regard him as an outsider, a Yankee, and a foreigner. This works to the narrator's advantage, as there...