Point of View

The story is written in first person from the perspective of Lou Ford. The perspective is completely limited with the reader learning only those facts that Lou chooses to relate. As a rule, the story is written in a very informal tone with a language that seems almost reminiscent of a diary or journal. In chapter twenty-one, however, Lou changes this somewhat to speak directly to the reader. He says he had ignored clues that indicated his fellow law enforcement officials were closing in on him as a suspect, but that he feels certain the reader had not ignored those clues. He says, "But I reckon you've known the truth all along." This first person perspective as a journal hits a problem with regard to believability as the final chapter winds down and Lou is actually killed. Had the story played out like this, Lou would...