Point of View

The novel is written in the past tense and the limited third person. The narration adheres to only one character’s perspective at any given time. However, there are several different point-of-view characters, including Sapphira, Nancy, Henry, Rachel, Martin, and others. The novel’s various perspectives serve to convey personal views related to sociopolitical phenomena, specifically the institution of slavery. The contrasts between these views and these characters then serve the novel’s overall moral assertions. For example, Sapphira is pro-slavery, but she is vindictive and morally debased, and thus the novel emphasizes the moral bankruptcy of her support of slavery. Henry’s perspective is defined by a dislike of slavery and a nascent belief in its immorality, and thus his character arc resolves when he frees his slaves.

Meanwhile, the characters such as Nancy and Rachel shed light on the perspectives of victims and...