Narrator and point of view

The short story “Where the Gods Fly” by Jean Kwok is a first person-narration, told by the story’s main character – a Chinese mother living in the US. The narrator is revealed from the first lines of the story: “I kneel here before the gods and the thought of what I am about to do stings my eyes like incense.” (ll. 1-2)

The story shows the narrator’s perspective on events, herself, and other characters: “…we couldn’t allow her to go. I understood nothing of these people who did not bow to our gods and ate with sharp knives at the table.” (ll. 27-28); “At first, I was pleased because she did better in her classes and she seemed to smile more.” (ll. 87-88). Using a subjective point of view allows the author to better explore the character’s inner conflict and encourages readers to relate to the character.

The story comes across as the narrator’s inner monologue which is similar to stream of co...