Point of View

This story is written in third-person, and it is in past tense. The narrator is not limited to one specific character, but it is unclear whether the narrator is omniscient, because Dahl omits information for the sake of a dramatic ending, and the narrator alternates between focusing on Mrs. Foster’s thoughts and feelings and those of Mr. Foster.

Initially, there is evidence that the narrator reflects the thoughts and opinions of Mr. Foster. For example, the narrator describes Mrs. Foster as a “good and loving wife” because she has “served [Mr. Foster] loyally and well” (38). This quote suggests that being a good wife equates to serving one’s husband well. This is more likely an opinion held by the old-fashioned Mr. Foster, as opposed to an opinion held by Mrs. Foster. Thus, this early quote suggests that the narrator is limited to Mr. Foster...