Point of View

The point of view of Homeland Elegies is the first person. The narrative is told by Ayad and the events of the narrative are expressed through the lens of Ayad's perspective and opinions. Ayad is often more mature and developed in his views on the world than the versions of his past self that he depicts throughout the novel. As such, Ayad does not at all times solicit our sympathy when depicting his past attitudes and behavior. Ayad often strives to put himself at a critical distance from the past events he describes. The tone of the narrative is that of the mature Ayad discussing the obstacles he has faced in his life, but with the understanding that he is now reconciled with these past struggles. Ayad's struggle pretending to be American (120), his racially charged sexual encounters (133), and his blind attempts to earn his mother's...