Point of View

The narrative is written from the third-person point of view with a focus on 
Serafina’s perspective. This choice is fitting as this is Serafina's coming of age story. The perspective creates a strong voice for Serafina. Readers feel her confusion, her frustration, her confidence, and her resolve when the narration goes into her mind. The point of view also reinforces the animal metaphor that extends throughout the novel. Serafina, herself, thinks like an animal. The narration shows how she acts like one as well.

Other characters express their thoughts when they speak to her. It is interesting that Serafina only speaks to people with whom she is comfortable. She speaks first to her father, then Braeden, then the Vanderbilts. In this way, style and substance support each other. The range of speaking partners increases as she moves forward in defining her identity.

Language and Meaning