Literature question help plz!

Question

In “Chapter Four: Winter 1914-Summer 1917 - Meen-geezis: Blueberry Sun - Pauline,” we have our second exposure to Pauline as narrator. We learn in the literary terms that an unreliable narrator is “the teller of a story whose narration is biased or limited.” Nanapush (the other narrator) tells us that Pauline is a liar who embellishes her stories to suit her own purposes, but it is too early in the novel to trust either narrator completely (38). As always in the study of literature, we must find our own textual support for our interpretation of things.

1. Make a case, based on evidence from the text, for Pauline as either a reliable or an unreliable narrator. You should rely on “Ch. Four” most heavily, but you may use evidence from earlier chapters as well. Make sure to cite (give page numbers) for all the evidence you discuss!

Answer 1

A strong case can be made that Pauline is an unreliable narrator, but the best argument will acknowledge that the novel deliberately makes it difficult to determine who is telling the complete truth. Start by looking at moments in Chapter Four where Pauline’s narration appears shaped by her emotions, beliefs, or desire to present herself in a particular way. Pay particular attention to contradictions between what Pauline says about herself and what other characters or narrators have previously established.

You can organize the response around three pieces of textual evidence: first, a passage showing Pauline’s tendency to embellish or interpret events according to her own perspective; second, a moment where her account conflicts with information provided elsewhere in the novel; and third, a passage that reveals something about what Pauline wants the reader to believe about her. For each example, explain not only what happens but why Pauline might have a reason to present it that way. Include the page number after each quotation or specific piece of evidence.

A useful thesis might be: “Pauline functions as an unreliable narrator because her account of events is shaped by her personal insecurities and desire to control how others perceive her, causing her to distort or selectively interpret what happens.” Then use the evidence from Chapter Four to prove that claim rather than simply labeling Pauline a liar. Also remember that an unreliable narrator isn't necessarily someone who lies about everything; the interesting question is where her perspective becomes unreliable and what that unreliability reveals about her character.