the big picture

Today in class as we were discussing the web of interconnectedness within the novel the web became tangled very quickly.  The mess of the web is reflected in the dialogue, with conversations rapidly shifting, changes in time, and new intricacies revealed in conversations.  At times, I find myself reading along, completely absorbed in the conversation only to realize that I have no idea what they are talking about (have no fear, this is not a comprehension issue - it is simply due to Raunce's seemingly crazy extrapolations about the war).  The ability to become so involved in the conversations is mainly due to the constantly shifting points of view, allowing the reader to see inside the characters heads.  Our involvement in the novel reduces us down to the petty level that the characters often occupy - I find myself trying to figure out how Raunce will next cheat the system instead of contemplating the moral and ethical implications that his simple thievery entails.  I believe that this relates to how the characters are thinking - they first think about themselves and then others and the consequences that will follow.  An example of this occurs when Edith finds the ring and hides it again so that she can decide if she wants to keep it or return it - a situation as we all know that leads to great worrying for the entire household.  I don't know where these thoughts are heading.  I suppose that like the characters, I am still unsure of what the larger picture of the novel is going to be.