Point of View

The overarching point of view throughout the novel is always Bastian's, although the points of view of a few other key characters are presented. An omniscient narrator who occasionally acts as a historical narrator as well presents all points of view in the third person. The focus of the novel is the gradual change in Bastian's point of view as he matures and heals on an emotional level. Initially Bastian resents the world around him, and the reader can sympathize with his feelings, as his life situation is unenviable. Bastian has suffered the loss of his mother and the subsequent emotional loss of his father. His unhappiness has contributed to his inability to form satisfying peer relationships and Bastian often finds himself victimized by the children at school. Bastian retreats into a fantasy adventure book called "The Neverending Story."

At this juncture, Bastian's point of view...