comment on structure

The novel is divided into a series of unnumbered chapters that alternate between the perspective of Marcellus the octopus, Tova Sullivan, and Cameron Cassmore, with only a few chapters dedicated to Ethan Mack’s perspective. In Chapters from the human’s point of view, the title is always a truncation of a quote from the chapter, queuing the audience in on what might occur in that chapter. For example, late in the chapter “House Special,” “Tanner appears booth-side. ‘House Special.’ With a disinterested sigh, he sets down an oval platter piled high with fries” (134). This structure creates suspense in the microcosm of each chapter as the audience subconsciously guesses at the chapter’s contents.