Short Answer 
The excerpt illustrates that the story is told by an unreliable narrator due to their distrust in Agnes, which distorts perceptions and emotions influencing their interpretation of events. This unreliability complicates the narrative’s integrity, prompting readers to critically engage with the text and question character motivations.
Step 1: Lack of Trust in Agnes’ Information
One key reason the narrator is deemed unreliable is their evident distrust in Agnes. This skepticism affects the narrative, making readers question the validity of the intertwined perspectives. The narrator’s interpretation is clouded by their emotions, leading to distorted perceptions of Agnes and her statements.
Step 2: Emotional Influence on Perception
The narrator’s feelings play a crucial role in shaping the way the story unfolds. Instead of viewing events objectively, the narrator reacts subjectively based on their emotional state. This reliance on feelings can obscure the truth, rendering even the most factual events dubious and unreliable.
Step 3: Implications for the Story’s Integrity
The unreliability of the narrator significantly impacts the overall integrity of the story. By filtering out details through a personal lens, readers may find it challenging to discern reality from fiction. This narrative technique invites readers to engage critically with the text, fostering a questioning attitude towards all character motivations and actions.