The story is told from the third person narrative point of view, which means that someone other than the two characters is sharing the action as viewed by an invisible person. The narrator does not have access to the characters' emotions or motives and can relay only the dialogue and actions, as they are presented.

The story is a satire on the Mexican railway system told through the absurd anecdotes of the old man. A satire is a method of ridiculing a person or an institution by portraying it in an unfavorable light. The old man's stories and advice to the stranger accomplish this goal, with the Mexican railroad as its target. The author is known for his sense of humor and outrageous wit. "The Switchman" is one of his most famous pieces in this genre.

Arreola has fun with the reader by providing symbolism...