Narration and Point of View

The narration of the story is straightforward. It is told chronologically and easily moves in sequence from one event to the next. It does not rely on flashbacks or any other literary devices to add necessary details to the story or to flesh out the characters.

The story is told from a third-person point of view. This means that readers see and hear only what one character sees and hears, and that readers are also privy to that character's thoughts, in this case Mr. Mummery. Because the point of view is so strongly with Mr. Mummery, most readers will only think what he thinks. Although an inquisitive reader may question whether Mrs. Sutton is the poisoner— where then is the mystery?—Mr. Mummery's absolute trust in his wife is so complete that many will not even question Ethel's role. Thus, the point...