Point of View

The Mercies is told in a third-person perspective, focusing alternatively on Maren and Ursa’s points of view. In the beginning of the novel since the two characters are in separate physical locations, we rely entirely on each of their points of view to understand the events around them. However, there is a key difference between their points of view initially. At first, Maren is more of an observer to the events of Vardø, rather than a key player like Toril or Kirsten. On the other side, Ursa is at the center of the plot in Bergen an aboard the ship travelling to Vardø, since the plot only moves to Bergen so Cornet can find a wife and the ship moves mainly to get Cornet and Ursa to Vardø. After Ursa’s arrival in Vardø, each chapter is told solely either from Maren or Ursa...