Perspective

The central theme of the novel is perspective and the way one person’s perspective can limit and distort their worldview if it is not inclusive and open towards the perspective of others. The theme of perspective is explored through the character of the novel’s narrator, Eleanor Flood. At first, Eleanor’s perspective is presented to the reader as if it is honest and authentic. While explaining her desire to live differently, Eleanor states her reason as: “Because the other way wasn’t working. The waking up just to get the day over with until it was time for bed. The grinding it out was a disgrace, an affront to the honor and long shot of being alive at all.” (7) Eleanor reveals messy details about her life to the reader in a confessional tone that implies the reader is being provided with confidential but accurate...