Point of View

The novel is told entirely from Walt’s perspective, but it is important to note that Walt is telling the story of his life while looking back on it from old age. The novel itself is a memoir, and thus Walt’s implicit goal in telling his story is to edify potential readers as to the events and wisdom of his rather unconventional childhood and early adulthood. Because Walt is the narrator, the reader is not given access to the inner thoughts of any other character. The reader only knows and observes what Walt thinks and sees. This limited structure helps to simulate Walt’s own emotional and intellectual journey as he attempts to understand those around him and his own sense of purpose. With the benefit of time and wisdom, Walt is able to eloquently narrate his own practical and emotional turning points in...