Point of View

The story is written in first person from the perspective of Jenkins, who begins the story as a school boy and ages over the course of the story. Jenkins is relating the story from his personal point of view, which makes this a limited perspective. The limitations are not particularly problematic because of the story's focus, which is solely on Jenkins, his relationship and actions as he matures. The presence of additional characters, such as Templer, Stringham and Widmerpool, are important only in their impact on Jenkins. This makes the first-person limited perspective appropriate and acceptable for this story. The reader must keep in mind that first-person limited perspectives tend to be skewed by the fact that it is human nature to present oneself in the best possible light. This may be seen to some degree in Jenkins' story but he seems to be ultimately honest...