Point of View

The story is narrated by Travis and is therefore told in first person. By seeing the story through Travis's point of view the reader is allowed Travis's feelings and this adds to the excitement, tension, and poignancy of the story. Since Travis is the main character and the one who undergoes a major internal change, following his thoughts add authenticity to the story. Travis leads the reader into each event that happens by offering a teaser as to what will happen next. Since he is recalling the story in his mind, the reader is curious to know what happens next and knows that Travis will soon say it.

Setting

The setting is the settlement of Travis's family along Birdsong Creek in the hill country of Texas in the late 1860s. These are the years after the Civil War and Papa feels like they are living in...