Point of View

With the exception of the first chapter, epilogue, and interludes which follow Lovell and Robin’s friends, the novel focuses on Robin’s perspective. From a structural perspective, focusing on Robin shows the most change, as his friends remain true to their convictions while Robin needs more time to discover his. From a narrative viewpoint, Robin’s experiences at Oxford are unique to his own worldview. The reader sees his attempts to survive against the injustices of the world and the shift from wanting to protect himself to using his linguistic skills to disrupt the British Empire. It also shows Robin’s deteriorating mental state after he kills Lovell. Then, when Ramy and Griffin are killed, that sense of sadness slips into unending despair as Robin loses hope in the future. Therefore, the reader sees how Robin shifts from someone who wants to survive to...