Bellow's use of first-person narration, as in this novel, has perplexed critics, who feel that a narrator should bring more immediacy to the story. But here, as in Herzog (1964; see separate entry), much of the action is relayed to the reader second hand in the form of conversations and telephone calls between Kenneth and Benn. Although this device helps to flesh out these characters, some critics have complained that it keeps readers from experiencing many of the plot incidents themselves and reaching their own conclusions about the meaning of the action.

Benn's close affinity with plants gives rise to a number of symbolic elements.

Kenneth repeatedly notes that his uncle's slightly arched "Russian" back makes it look as if he is hiding a "wing case" under his coat. Thus Benn can be seen as an insectlike creature who moves from plant to plant, interacting with each in the...