The Sweet Hereafter | Style

The Sweet Hereafter Style

Alternating Point-of-View

The Sweet Hereafter is structured by narrators rather than by chapters. There are four narrators, all of whom speak once, with the exception of Dolores, who speaks twice. As the author switches narrators, he presents the characters' points-ofview by taking into consideration their life experiences, backgrounds, occupations, and personal relationships. This allows the reader to peek into the psyches of four distinct people, understanding their motivations for the decisions they make. The reader senses that the speakers are confiding in a trusted confidant: Nichole admits that she lied, and Billy states, "I can only tell you how it felt." Such com- ments signal to the reader that the speaker is being completely honest in his or her account.

At the same time, Banks is careful to present limited perspectives because none of the narrators are omniscient. By piecing together what each of the four narrators relates, the reader...
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