Point of View

The story is presented in third person from a limited perspective, almost always being presented from Jim's point of view. Action as a rule follows Jim and the reader is given details mainly about his activities. Details such as the grizzly bear attack on Jim are presented to the reader when Jim remembers the attack and recounts it in his mind. Other important aspects of the story, such as the death of Jim's parents, are presented through conversations. For example, Jonnie and Sally tell Jim about the deaths of their parents and the loss of the family farm. The reader only learns these things when Jim learns them. There is one major exception to this rule seen when Jim and Daniel take the livestock over a pass while Jonnie and Sally float the wagon down the river. For that scene, the reader leaves Jim's point of...