Memory

The author uses memory to convey what happened between Paul and Jane on Mothering Sunday and to illustrate the fallibility of memory. Many of the early sections repeat as though Jane is remembering new details. She creates a composite that gives the reader a fuller picture of what happened.

Because the memories evolve, they may not be accepted as fact. Jane may remember things that happened, but she is also framing it through her preferred lens.

The third person narrative assists with credibility. If a first person narrator were used, the reader may doubt Jane. Instead, the author is able to convey that spending time with each memory elicits new details, thus fleshing out the memory.

Jane keeps the memory of the afternoon private. She is the only one who knows what transpired at Upleigh that afternoon. Paul’s death prevents anyone from contradicting her memory...