Point of View

The work opens up with a witness narrator of sorts. This is a passerby remarking on Crockett's Island, the primary setting for the work as a whole. Although this section is a mere two pages, it previews the work, and foreshadows the trajectory of the Milton family legacy. Additionally it brings about awareness of the historic changes of the social and economic strata in America. Additionally, the dialogue in this brief introductory section references a drowning, thus building suspense and curiosity.

The point of view of the work as a whole is third person. However, Blake uses descriptions, internal monologues, and dialogue to create a keener understanding of each of the characters. The work begins with the perspectives of Kitty and Ogden, as they marvel at the promise of their guided lives. Initially set in New York City in the 1930s, Blake captures the flavor...