Point of View

The short story is written from Robbie's grandfather's first person point of view. Because the narrator is addressing a letter to his grandson, he does not use his own name, nor does he provide a wealth of distinguishing details about his character. However, because the narrator is "writing a (too) long letter to a (beloved) grandson," he often gestures towards family memories, or elements of the past he wishes to share with Robbie (5). These elements nuance the narrative voice, and make the form and manner of writing authentic and believable. Indeed, the epistolary form requires and dictates this narrative vantage point, establishing an intimacy between both narrator and Robbie, and the narrator and reader.

Though the narrator is replying to Robbie's initial email, he does not limit his response to Robbie's questions. Rather, he often incorporates elements from his own life and experience, details which...