Point of View

The perspective of Shikasta varies significantly with which character is speaking or reporting. The reports of the emissaries are often short and unemotional, but sometimes they express care and distress. Some records are much longer than others. The records of Sirian agents and Chinese agents are also fairly unemotional. But they often related their personal opinions. Taufiq, for instance, is concerned to escape duty as a Canopean Emissary. Johor feels a strong sense of tragedy and responsibility for the Shikastans. Chen Liu, the Shammat Agent, is disgusted by the youth armies and white people particularly. The Sirian transmissions are fairly nondescript. However, there are detailed copies of journal entries by various individuals, particularly Rachel Sherban and Lynda Coleride. Lynda's perspective is that of a very intelligent, mentally ill individual; her thoughts are sporadic, easily distracted and full of delusions, although some of them turn out...