Structure

The Rules Do Not Apply is divided into three parts to delineate the three separate stages of Ariel's life journey. The length of each part varies greatly, as well as the length of the individual chapters. The length of each section is determined less by structural concerns and more by what the author feels is required to tell that part of the story. Levy uses foreshadowing extensively throughout the book, particularly in Part One. The main timeline of events is linear, giving the book a clear narrative structure. However, the use of foreshadowing and anecdotal asides adds a non-linear element which adds a layer of dimension to the book's structure. Levy jumps around in time occasionally, particularly in Part One, to maximize the effectiveness of foreshadowing.

Part One is the longest section of the book by far, totalling 125 of the book's 207 pages. The chapters in this section...