Question

Helen has been criticised for using the last of all the people who made a difference in her life. Do you think it is appropriate conclusion to her autobiography? Comment on the basis of your reading of the novel.

Answer 1

Since the work is an autobiography, Helen uses her letters of correspondence with the people in her life to piece together a realistic narrative about her life. As these were meant for private viewing, it might have been unethical to use them within a book. But letters were the only form of formal communication in those days, people often wrote letters with a view to publish them either in their lifetime or after. So, it might be well within her purview to include them in her autobiography.