Point of View

The main body of the story is written in first person from the limited perspective of Maddie Hyde. She provides a reliable perspective but her view is completely limited. This means the reader doesn't know anything until Maddie is aware of it. An important example of this limitation is seen when Ellis makes arrangements for Maddie to be treated for her mental state. He says she is unstable and has found a doctor willing to do a lobotomy on Maddie. Hank informs Maddie of Ellis's plan and that's the first time the reader has any inkling of the situation. A similar example is seen in Ellis's claim that he's color blind. Maddie believes Ellis, meaning the reader believes it's true as well. The reader has no reason to question the situation until Maddie has doubts.

Another important example of this limitation is seen in the...