Posted by Kent Helbig on June 03, 1999 at 23:16:58:
Huddle used the narrator to frame the story of Michelle. By doing this, we are able to see her through the eyes of another. Sometimes, people can be seen better by those who are close to them. Also, after discussing this story with a few classmates, I have come to the conclusion that perhaps Huddle used the Narrator as a sort of priest for Michelle. After all, she was Catholic, and in the catholic religion, once you confess something you are absolved of all your sins. She said at the end of her story that she would never repeat it to anyone, because she hated every word of it. That just goes to re-enforce my belief that it was an analogy of a catholic confessional. I also think huddle used this story as an example of how to write a good story. Not saying that it was the best story I have ever read, but the technique he used ( a flashback within a flashback) is very creative, and a nice thing to learn about.