Point of View

Because of Winn-Dixie is written entirely in first person. This style allows the readers to get to know Opal on an intimate level. Readers see events through her eyes and get to know her through her thoughts and actions.

Although the first-person point of view belongs to Opal, characters are also unmasked through a first-person storytelling device. Miss Franny Block tells Amanda and Opal the story of her family through Littmus Block's Civil War experiences. Otis confesses his criminal past to Opal and recounts the story of how he landed in jail.

It isn't until the end of the book, though, that readers feel compassion for the Preacher. Up until that time he is a character seen through Opal's eyes. He's compassionate toward his daughter and Winn-Dixie, but readers feel the true weight of his hurt when he breaks down and cries with Opal when they...