So Long a Letter Lesson Plan

What is the narrative effect of the novel being structured as a series of letters?

Ramatoulaye's letters function similarly to a diary in this novel: we learn about her innermost thoughts through what she confides in her best friend, who is likely one of the few people who would truly understand what she was going through. The letter structure allows the novel to function as sort of a conversation between women, highlighting the importance of female relationships in Ramatoulaye's life. Though we never see Aissatou's answers or hear her perspective, we get a good idea of what it might be through Ramatoulaye's descriptions of her and the way in which she speaks to her.

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