Point of View

In his novel, Harbach directly explores the perspectives of four characters: Henry Skrimshander, Mike Schwartz, Pella Affenlight, and Guert Affenlight. The narrative as a whole can be understood as a set of limited third-person narrations that toggles among these individuals, relaying their observations, opinions, and desires to the reader. Through them, we come to understand the texture of life at Westish College and gain considerable insight into other important figures in the narrative, such as Owen Dunne and the other members of the Westish baseball team.

Language and Meaning

The narration of The Art of Fielding is notable for its uses of literary allusions involving authors such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Herman Melville (particularly Moby-Dick), and T.S. Eliot. Several of these references are provided by two well-read characters, Pella Affenlight and President Affenlight, whose psychologies are explored at great length. References to Melville, Emerson...