Point of View

Where the Red Fern Grows is told in the first person, from the point of view of Billy. All characters' actions are viewed through Billy's eyes and perception, and all dialogue is filtered through his level of understanding. He comments on what others say and do, coloring our view of his world.

This is truly the story of Billy Colman as remembered by the adult and aged William Colman. Just like any other human being, Billy is the center of his own universe. Everything that happens in his world happens to him or because of him or in spite of him. Therefore we see a loving but teasing grandfather, for that is how Billy sees Grandpa. We see a warm, nurturing mother who gives sloppy, wet kisses and suffers when Billy suffers, because that is how Billy sees Mama. Perhaps it is the point of view...