Point of View

This novel is written in first person, with the protagonist, Jakub, as the sole narrator. Jakub predominantly describes events that are occurring to him in present day, and he accompanies these descriptions with his inner reflections and thoughts pertaining to these events. Jakub’s narration of the present day scenes are in past tense. However, Jakub also narrates events that occurred to him during his childhood. Narration of Jakub’s childhood scenes is in present tense. Jakub’s narration being the sole point of view in this novel emphasizes the fact that this is Jakub’s story. This is important because the novel explores issues regarding heroism and fame, so Jakub’s role as the sole narrative focus encapsulates these themes.

The shifting narrative tense serves to explore the nature of Jakub’s personality. Jakub’s childhood scenes are narrated in present tense because the...