The layout of this novel is quite different in that it is separated into three books. The first book tells the story from a poor black priest's point of view, the second from a rich white farmer and the third combines the both.
The novel is written in the third person. Personally, I would have preferred it more if it was written in the first person. This way, the reader can feel closer to the characters and understand their pain better. It may also be easier to read and relate to if it was written in the first person. However, writing in the third person, Paton is able to include random sections such as the section about Shanty Town and the whites talking about getting more police. These random sections add to our understanding about the problems in South Africa. Third person narration also gives the novel a softer tone as the writing is poetic instead of being a narrative. As there are many biblical allusions in the novel, it is appropriate that third person narration was used as it makes it appear as if God was overseeing all that is happening.
No comments:
Post a Comment