Point of View

The author portrays his novel through a strict, third-person, omniscient point of view that wavers only when the narrator’s focus changes from Louis to Addie. For the most part, Haruf keeps the focus on Louis, the novel’s overall protagonist. In keeping with Louis, the author narrows the story’s scope. This narrowed scope provides the novel with a more intimate and engaging atmosphere, but it also limits the parameters of the plot.

In speaking of the intimate scope that Haruf seeks to develop, the story’s first line gives the reader a firm sense of the novel’s focus. “And then there was the day when Addie Moore made a call on Louis Waters”. With these words, the author indicates to the reader that the novel will follow Addie and Louis. To keep with the almost contractual nature of this first sentence, Haruf...