In our group today, we talked a little about the role of the narrator in the story. Rowson, if this is whom we assume to be the narrator, interjects quite often and addresses the reader directly. Often, her interjections seem as though they are designed not to explain what is happening but to justify the reasons for their inclusion.
At times, this seems somewhat self-conscious on the part of the narrator. Either she is attempting to justify what might seem a ludicrous plot-point or she is attempting to explain the motives of the character. Also, she seems to want us to feel for Charlotte, but instead of allowing the text or narrative to give us a reason for empathy, Rowson feels the need to tell us why we should feel empathy.
Considering this is a very early novel, perhaps this is nothing more than the way it was done at the time. Also, I was wondering does her interjection into the story help or detract. By not allowing us (the reader) to draw our own conclusions, does Rowson take away from the story.
As our mid-term paper approaches, these are the things I will be thinking and considering when searching for a paper topic.
