Point of View

The story is written in the third person and the past tense. Tub appears to be the main point-of-view character in the story, as the narrative never provides information of which Tub is not aware. For example, the story does not relay the interaction between Kenny and the farmer, as Tub is not present for it. Similarly, while Frank is on the phone, the narrative focuses on Tub’s conversation with the farmer. However, the narration never relays the internal thoughts of any of the characters, including Tub. The reader is only given information about the characters’ actions and spoken words.

This lack of access to interiority forces the reader to judge and assess the characters solely based on their words, choices, and actions, and these outward signifiers are utilized very strongly in this narrative. The three main characters are generally portrayed with emphasis on...