Points of View

Thomas Keneally uses a third-person perspective in The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith. This omniscient and reliable voice allows the reader to track the thoughts and actions of several characters within the same chapter and ultimately, the novel. Keneally primarily follows Jimmie Blacksmith in the novel, as it is his actions that provide the action and direction of the novel.

Keneally also adds in the thoughts and actions of several of the other characters including Tabidgi, Mort, Mr. Hyberry, and Dowie Stead. This adds to the novel by allowing the reader to see the motivations and thoughts of those chasing Jimmie or awaiting his capture. The reader is also privy to the remorse felt by Tabidgi and Mort, who are drawn into Jimmie's killings at various points in the novel. Not having experienced what Jimmie has, their motivation is more primal and loyalty driven to Jimmie.

Setting