Point of View

Lev Grossman tells his novel “The Magician King” in the third-person omniscient narrative mode. This is done for at least three reasons. First, the third-person omniscient narrative mode maintains consistency with the telling of the first novel in “The Magician” trilogy. Second, the third-person narrative mode allows the author to follow not only Quentin’s story and journey, but allows the author to delve into Julia’s history as well. This is crucial because Julia’s past bears such importance in the present, especially in the reason behind needing to search for the golden keys. Third, as such, Julia’s chapters from the past, and Quentin’s chapters in the present, are told in a consistent narrative voice, making transition between past and present easier for the reader. The omniscient nature of the third-person makes these forays into Julia’s past possible.

Language and Meaning