Final answer:
In 'Sarah's Key', the alternating timelines are separated by dates, which help to clearly indicate transitions in time. These transitions are crucial in narratives for maintaining clarity and thematic continuity.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the novel Sarah's Key, the alternating timelines are differentiated by b) Dates. This literary technique is critical in narratives to make the passage of time and jumps between different periods clear to the reader. It is common in stories dealing with trauma or complex narrative structures.
Authors may use various methods to signal changes in time, such as chapter numbers, different narrators, or punctuation marks, but in the case of this book, dates are utilized to orient the reader.
Meanwhile, in narratives with a complex structure, transitions are essential for guiding the reader through the story. These transitions can be abstract, such as shifts in tone or point of view, but can also be more concrete, like using dates or timestamps.
The choice of how to transition between times or events can greatly affect a reader's understanding of the chronology and the thematic development of the story.
Understanding the role of chronos and kairos in plot structure highlights the importance of time in memoirs and narratives. The author carefully chooses how to divide the story and end chapters to contribute to the overarching theme or to transition between characters' perspectives.
The way a story is divided provides insight into its plot and themes, influencing how the reader experiences the overall narrative.