What are the effects of Dubus's ordering of events of the story? How would the effect be different if the story were told in chronological order?
a. Dubus's story is very suspenseful the way it is set up. At first we didn't know what happened to Frank. Each of the characters reflected their emotions. It made the reader put themselves in the characters' shoes. If it was told in order, the story wouldn't have been so suspenseful.
b. Dubus's ordering of events adds complexity to the narrative by gradually revealing the layers of emotional and psychological turmoil experienced by the characters. It allows for a deeper exploration of their motivations and relationships. If told in chronological order, the impact of these revelations might be diminished.
c. Dubus's nonlinear narrative enhances the reader's engagement by creating intrigue and mystery around the central event. It encourages readers to piece together the story's timeline, leading to a more interactive reading experience. Telling the story in chronological order would result in a more straightforward narrative, potentially reducing its impact.
d. Dubus's unconventional ordering of events serves to emphasize the interconnectedness of the characters' lives and the profound effects of the central event. It allows for thematic exploration of guilt, redemption, and forgiveness. If presented chronologically, the story's thematic depth and emotional resonance might be less pronounced.