Point of View

The novel’s narration is written in the past tense and the limited third person. Lucy is the primary point-of-view character in the novel, and the narrative generally valorizes her perspective and personal beliefs. Lucy is portrayed as a generally passionate, energetic, and optimistic young woman. She values art and emotions, and the novel largely functions as a portrayal of Lucy’s internal emotional journey. She must struggle to maintain her optimism in the face of Sebastian’s pessimism, and she must later face an even greater emotional struggle in the wake of Sebastian’s death. Ultimately, Lucy maintains her optimism and love of life, and the narration portrays these values as triumphant and necessary for human fulfillment.

The narrative occasionally shifts to the perspectives of other characters. The three point-of-view characters in the novel besides Lucy are Sebastian, Pauline, and Harry. The novel contrasts...