Perspective

The novel is told in a biased third person narrative. Kidder never introduces himself in the book or the fact that he was an observer in the classroom for the last year. This is interesting because the reader may appreciate a context for the novel. How did Kidder's presence affect the children? Did they act differently because there was an extra person in the room? Did Chris alter her teaching to be what Kidder wanted her to be? All these questions go unanswered. Kidder does not assert his own opinions openly.

Although the book is told in third person, it seems that Kidder takes liberties with his stories. It is unclear whether or not Chris, Clarence, Judith and other characters expressly conveyed their feelings to Kidder. Throughout the entire novel Kidder explains situations outside of the classroom: Chris' home, Judith's home, Clarence's thoughts in the Kelly School hallway...