Empire Falls

Why does the author use a third person omniscient narrator to illustrate events in Empire Falls? If Miles Roby is clearly the protagonist, why not tell the story from his point of view? How might the story change if the reader has access to only one or two points of view?

Why does the author italicize the parts of the books that recount memories? How are memories different from events current to the book? What are the advantages of using memories in illuminating themes or character’s motivations? What about the disadvantages?

How does Miles Roby change during the course of the book? Or, does he change? What does the future have in store for him as he returns to Empire Falls? Will he pursue new opportunities, or will he return to routine? Provide specific textual examples to support the analysis.