Point of View

The novel is told from a third person limited narrative viewpoint, from the point of view of Rick Walker. The reader sees Rick's thoughts and feelings, so even when he can't express himself, the reader understands his motivations. In the beginning of the novel, at Rick's hearing, the judge condemns him for being conscienceless and probably on the road to more significant crimes. The reader understands Rick's confusion and conflicted feelings and realizes that Rick is not a bad kid or a conscienceless one. The judge, however, only sees what Rick can show publicly.

As Rick runs away, the reader sees the world through Rick's point of view. On the trip out to Lon's camp, the reader only knows what Rick knows. When Rick discovers the dead calves that the camper is carrying, the reader is left to wonder along with Rick where he is headed...