Point of View

The point of view used in The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Snyder is third person omniscient. This is particularly appropriate when setting and intangible objects are of great importance to the story. Third person allows Snyder to give the reader great insight into the sights and sounds encountered in the Westerly House and to develop a sense of personality and vision regarding each character.

In some places, no other point of view would be appropriate, particularly when the story revolves around the tension between Molly and Amanda. The reader needs to see both sides of the story to better understand the relationship. Molly is trying to be an understanding parent while not being a pushover; Amanda is being extremely difficult to upset her mother and to test her boundaries.

There are times when Snyder mixes in references to David that border on the first person...