Point of View

Since the book is Zeno's journal, the point of view is first person, from Zeno's point of view. The entries are addressed to Dr. S., the intended reader. Dr. S. also writes a preface saying he is publishing Zeno's journal. The purpose of the journal is for Zeno to see himself more clearly, for it is obvious he does not see himself clearly. In his words, "I can consider myself a good observer but also a blind observer." (74) As he looks back on his life, he often contradicts himself from thought to thought, seemingly unaware that he is doing so.

Zeno also notes that he himself is an unreliable narrator, pointing out that he is an old man reminiscing, and he may not remember events exactly as they unfolded. He says, "Everyone tends to remember the past with greater fervor as the present gains greater importance...