Point of View

The narrative is written from the first-person point of view from Billy’s perspective. This choice is fitting as this is Billy’s coming of age story. The perspective creates a strong voice for Billy. Readers feel his frustration, his confidence, and his resolve as he moves forward in his journey. The point of view also reinforces the meaning of the title that extends throughout the novel. Billy begins to see that he is not just a boy who likes to handle snakes but one who has the power to heal which is the symbolic meaning of snakes. He also realizes that he is wired to help others and to make bullies squirm if that is what it takes to do so. As a result, he finds his identity and grows as a person.

The point of view also supports the narrative’s structure of...