The Secret History Lesson Plan

Why does Tartt decide to begin Book Two with Richard's reflections, rather than continuing to describe the events that conclude Book One? What is the impact of this narrative approach?

Richard begins his reflections in Book Two by defending himself to readers, saying, "I do not consider myself an evil person," but then acknowledging, "though how like a killer that makes me sound!" The reader is transported into Richard's mindset at the time and experience of reflecting on that mindset since Bunny's murder took place. The effect of Tartt's narrative choice is that it makes the reader focus initially on Richard's interpretation, memory, and perspective of the events that...