"At the same time, it's a family story and more of an epic. I needed the third-person. I tried to give a sense that Cal, in writing his story, is perhaps inventing his past as much as recalling it"

This quote by Jeffrey Eugenides talks to the narrative structure of his unique, Middlesex. By using third-person narrative, Eugenides is able to explore the intricacies of the protagonist, Cal's, identity and household history. The quote recommends that Cal is not just recalling his past, but likewise inventing it. This implies that Cal's identity is not fixed, however rather is constantly developing and being shaped by his experiences. Making use of third-person narration allows Eugenides to explore the nuances of Cal's identity and family story in a way that first-person narrative would not. By using third-person narration, Eugenides has the ability to develop a legendary story that is both a family story and a larger exploration of identity.