Narrative (II)
The narrative structure questions the significance of the event in a self-conscious fashion even as it documents the accompanying "facts." This pattern allows for frequent interruption, juxtaposing conflicting accounts in the attempt to create a dialogic space.
For example, the judgmental tone of the introduction, which catalogues the suffering of the devastated city, eventually gives way to an account of the proposed defense plan in the event of an American invasion of the mainland (the island of Kysushu--see the letter from Mort Greene). By introducing this alternative view, the site offers a counterpoint, emphasizing the damage that was avoided by hastening the conclusion of the war.
In terms of its methodology, the site undertakes a postmodern project, replacing the master narrative--"a historical event"--with a profusion of "little stories," accounts provided by individual participants. It succeeds in introducing a space for conversation, although, admittedly, a tone of rancor continues to influence the nature of that dialogue.