Point of View

The Golden Compass is written in the third person, limited omniscient viewpoint. Some believe that this viewpoint helps the reader to better visualize descriptions. Pullman may have chosen this viewpoint because visualization and imagination are key to the success of a fantasy book. The story is seen from an outsider's viewpoint and limited to the thoughts and feelings of Lyra; however, there is a section when the point of view follows the Master and the Librarian. This deviation is necessary because it reveals important plot information.

Later in the book, the author is able to avoid any such deviations, because the alethiometer grants him the ability to tell what is occurring beyond Lyra's sight. Although the book is in third person, limited omniscient, the alethiometer is third person, omniscient. Because the alethiometer can tell the truth of any situation, no matter the location, it becomes all...