Point of View

The novel is written in the first person point of view, from the main character's perspective. The novel begins inside Joey's head, as he wakes from a dream and considers his situation. The narrative will stick with the themes that begin inside Joey's head. Immaturity, being defined by others, the push and pull of parts and the whole, and the nature of art will crop up over and over.

The narrative is unrealistic, since Joey is literally manipulated into becoming a seventeen-year-old boy. This story is a metaphor for Joey being belittled and formed by the society around him. Throughout the novel, the figurative becomes literal. Idealistic feelings are translated into actual "mugs" of face. Joey's dance to degrade the Youngbloods' room becomes something actually degrading to them. The mind, in the novel, is a powerful thing, because thought creates reality. Joey's impressions and ideas are...