Point of View

This novel is told in the first-person and limited omniscience narration from the modulating perspective of Mr. and Marmee March. The first thirteen chapters are told from March's perspective, keeping the reader very close to his thoughts and emotions. This point of view is crucial to the reader's understanding of the novel. In March's letters home to his wife, he whitewashes the gruesome truth of war from his words, leaving her with pages of beautiful descriptions of the weather. These letters provide stark juxtaposition of March's voice for the reader. Because of this, having full access to March's true thoughts and emotions are crucial to understanding his character growth and development. It is also key to unlocking the secrets March hides, even from himself, in regards to his relationship with Grace. The contrasting views of March's letters and his narration create the flawed, complex character that...