Point of View

The novel is mostly written in the third-person from the point of view of the main characters. Their respective stories and observations enable readers to learn about them and their view of the other characters. This technique coincides with themes related to appearance, perception, and interpretation as characters and readers learn that appearances do not always relay the reality of a situation or a person’s character.

In addition, the point of view also supports the theme of grief as the characters let readers know the different things people grieve about by talking about their own lives. Others may not realize that the characters have these feelings. For example, Douglas seems to be self-assured. However, he grieves the lost of Elizabeth and the culture of the past.

Various chapters are written from the first-person perspective of Joyce. Her chapters help characterize her and show why...