As the reader progresses through the novel, they are presented with different perspectives on the same events. This allows the reader to see how truth can be constructed and manipulated, and how history can be written and rewritten.
The stories in Trust interlock and unfold in a complex and non-linear way. The novel begins with Harold Venner's fictionalized account of Andrew Bevel's life, which is followed by Bevel's own memoir, then Ida Partenza's biography of Mildred Bevel, and finally Mildred's diary. For example, in Venner's novel, Andrew Bevel is portrayed as a ruthless capitalist who will do anything to make money. “Authority and money surround themselves with silence, and one can measure the reach of someone’s influence by the thickness of the hush enveloping them” (Diaz 232). However, in his own memoir, he presents himself as a more sympathetic character. Bevel claims that he was only motivated by a desire to provide for his family.Partenza's biography of Mildred challenges Andrew Bevel's own account of his life. She argues that Bevel was a much more complex and conflicted figure than he portrays himself to be. Finally, Mildred's diary provides the most intimate perspective on the events of the novel. However, it is important to note that Mildred is writing her diary after the events have taken place, and her memory is not always reliable, “she was unable to stop thinking about her thoughts” (Diaz 85).
As discussed in class, one example of how the stories interlock is the recurring image of the scar on Bevel's face; this scar is mentioned in Venner's novel, Bevel's memoir, Partenza's biography, and Mildred's diary. This clue helped me identify the different stories as being part of the same narrative. Another example is the way in which the different narrators contradict each other on key details. For example, Venner claims that Bevel was born into a poor family, while Bevel himself claims that he came from a wealthy background. Partenza argues that Bevel was a brilliant financier, while Mildred suggests that he was more lucky than skilled. These contradictions question the reliability of each narrator. They also suggest that the truth of Bevel's story may be more complex than any single narrator can tell.
For a novel's structure to succeed, it must be able to engage the reader and keep them wanting to read more. It must also be able to support the novel's themes and message. The structure of Trust is successful in a number of ways. First, it creates a sense of suspense and mystery. The class was constantly trying to piece together the truth of what happened, and to figure out which narrator is the most reliable. For example, in the early chapters of the novel, I was inclined to trust Venner's account of Bevel's life. However, as the novel progressed, I began to question Venner's reliability. This is due in part to the fact that Venner is a fictional character, and in part to the fact that Venner's account is contradicted by the other narrators. Second, the structure allows the author to explore complex themes such as power, truth, and the nature of reality. By presenting the story from different perspectives, the author is able to show how these themes are contested and negotiated. For example, the novel explores the relationship between power and truth. It shows how powerful people can use their power to control the narrative and to shape the public's understanding of reality. Third, the structure allows the author to challenge my expectations. I constantly questioned my own assumptions about truth and reliability. For example, the novel challenges that there is a single, objective truth. It shows how truth is constructed and manipulated, and how it can vary depending on one's perspective. The structure of Trust is successful in both of these ways. It engages the reader by creating a sense of suspense and mystery. It also supports the novel's themes by showing how truth is constructed and manipulated
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