Point of View

The novel is told from multiple different points of view that correspond with the multiple different authors in each layer of the narrative. The main consistent element throughout all the different points of view is the lack of self-awareness displayed by characters when holding control of the narrative.

The overarching point of view is that of the student and, arguably, the novel remains told from his point of view throughout the narrative because the switches in point of view occur within the student’s novel, and are thus ultimately still the student’s point of view, as they are told through characters that the student has created. In the sections from the student’s own life (often referred to as a “biographical reminiscence” by the student) the student frequently fails to notice how little interest Brinsley truly has in reading the student’s novel and...