Question 2. Why Fanny?

[Ashley]

The story is really about Polly and Lady Montdore, but it is written from Fanny’s point of view. Why do you think Mitford does this? Is it effective?

[Carol]

I thought Mitford did a good job of using Fanny as our "narrator." It kept her in the story, but enough removed that she could observe and be a part with all the characters in the story.

[Ashley]

I agree with both Carol and Emily. Fanny seems super involved yet has quite a bit of distance to wryly observe EVERYTHING. And bingo, she gets the the comments and perspectives of others.

I also liked that Fanny was a bland, blank narrator who simply facilitated the more interesting story. Her witty telling was, I thought, what made the book sing. Every time she snarkily referred to "all this," I cracked up and could see Lady Montdore's dramatic wave of the hand.