Point of View

The novel is written in the third person. While the point of view is omniscient for much of the novel, the author often presents particularly significant events from the point view of whichever character is central to the scene. Much of the action is presented as it is seen and experienced by the novel’s two main characters – Peter Marlowe and the King – although some scenes are presented as they are experienced by a large number of other major and minor characters, again depending on which character is central to that specific scene. The thoughts and feelings of all of the major as well as a large number of the minor characters are presented at various points in the narrative. This technique not only helps present the action in a personal and understandable way, but also helps the reader to experience the horrors of Changi...