Reading 1001 discussion

The book's narrator identifies with Rosemary in the first part of the novel. Thus we see the characters through her perspective. Starting in Book 2, however, the narrator is allied with Dick Diver...as we follow him into his decline. Why would Fitzgerald have used two perspectives?

I think this introduces the reader first to how the couple is perceived by the outside world. We are able to see the facade of their relationship when we view it through Rosemary's perspective. When we shift to Dicks perspective, we see what is really going on from an insider view. We are able to sympathize with him on a more personal level when we see what is really happening.

I agree with Diane's response.

I agree. By using this first perspective, we see the couple as "perfect, without the cracks" that we later are exposed to when the perspective changes.

I have nothing to add to Diane's answer.

I remember it being a bit more complicated than just two perspectives, sometimes it was from other characters as well. Nicole had her story towards the end as well.