Point of View

This novel is mostly written from the third person omniscient point of view. This is observed in the fact that many characters are shown alone, or in small groups, and everything about what happens is evident to the reader. However, there are several times when C.S. Lewis speaks to the reader as himself in the first person. Through these interjections he expresses his opinions and preferences.

Setting

The setting of this novel is post-war England, in the towns of Edgestow, Belbury and surrounding towns. In the beginning of the novel, both main characters are living in Edgestow, which is a small college town. This town includes Bracton College, Bragdon Wood and a "downtown" area in which to shop.

As the novel progresses, Mark begins staying at the N.I.C.E. institute at Belbury. The institute has expansive grounds, but not the sort that one...