Point of View

In Northern Lights, O’Brien utilizes a third-person limited perspective that, while allowing readers into Perry’s consciousness, helps to emphasize the difficulty of intimate human connection. Throughout the narrative, O’Brien dives into Perry’s mind to explore his thoughts and emotions as he navigates life in Sawmill Landing, as well as the treacherous journey from Grand Marais to Sawmill Landing. O’Brien places the reader within Perry’s perspective; in this way, the reader assumes many of the biases and assumptions that Perry holds. Through much of the novel, the reader—like Perry—views Harvey as tough, bold, and imperfect. As the narrative progresses, Perry and the reader simultaneously learn that Harvey’s gruff and manly personality is a facade that conceals a more complex relationship with his family and his home. O’Brien’s use of the third-person perspective also mirrors, in...