Point of View

The Cloisters is written through a first-person point of view, exclusively through the lens of Ann Stilwell. The author chooses to employ this lens in order to develop her thematic inspection identity. By granting the reader access to Ann’s internal thoughts and emotions over the course of the novel, the author illustrates the transformations in her narrator’s identity as she builds confidence, a belief in fate, and a fortified drive to succeed. At the outset of the narrative, Ann is insecure about her intelligence and appearance. At the welcome breakfast for the Met’s summer associates, she feels out of place and “look[s] around the room, trying to pretend [she is] looking for a friend” (17). However, as Ann works at The Cloisters over the summer, she develops a confidence in her academic ability and identity. On the subway she thinks, “New York...