Point of View

The point of view throughout the entire novel is from John's perspective. This is an important aspect in the novel because it is the only way the reader would understand John's personality. He is misinterpreted by most of his family and friends, who attribute things to him that he does not like to do (such as medical research). Through his reflections, the reader gets a better understanding of what he thinks and feels, including the possibility of a search for the meaning of life. He does not tell anyone else about this possibility other than Kate and this is significant. By revealing the possibility only to Kate, it indicates to the reader that they have a close, albeit complicated, relationship.

In addition, since the novel moves with John the entire time and we see how different events transpire, it is easier to understand him. We never...