Point of View

“Pastoralia” is written in the first-person present tense from the protagonist’s perspective. Emphasis on the protagonist’s perspective serves multiple functions with regards to the narrative functions of the overall story. First, it serves to emphasize the emotional impact of the protagonist’s financial and familial tribulations, which are integral to the story’s illustration of the destruction of corporate greed. As the protagonist communicates with his family, the tragedy of his separation from them and of the insufficiency of his remuneration becomes more apparent and has a heavier emotional impact. The focus on the protagonist’s perspective also serves to illustrate the struggles and nuances of the moral quandary he faces regarding Janet. The protagonist has never reported Janet’s workplace infractions, as he sees no point in causing trouble for his coworker. However, he begins to receive pressure from management to report...