Writing Techniques in Valley of the Dolls

Valley of the Dolls Techniques

Susann tells her story chronologically and from three different thirdperson points of view: Anne's, Neely's, Jennifer's. The novel begins with a terrible poem announcing its themes. It is then broken up into sections labeled with the names of the heroines. These sections are divided into smaller sections, establishing a time frame such as February, 1948, or simply 1956.

Susann's use of point of view is relatively sophisticated. The characters relate their stories through each others' eyes. This shifting point of view allows readers to see the characters through their own eyes and those of observers at the same time. It adds depth. Readers would probably be less disposed to care about Neely at the end of the novel if they only saw her and listened to her from her own strident point of view. Anne's point of view softens Neely. Readers also learn more about secondary characters than...
(read more)