Narrator and point of view

Archie Weller’s short story “Going Home” is narrated by a limited third-person narrator.

The narrator knows only what Billy is thinking and feeling, and does not have access to the minds of the other characters: “The barman is a long time coming, although the bar is almost empty. Just a few old cockies and young larrikins, right down the other end. Arrogant grey eyes stare at Billy. No feeling there at all.” (p. 112, ll. 27-29). The narrator also frequently borrows Billy’s perspective when describing the setting, conveying Billy’s state of mind: “Grotesque trees twist in the half-light. Black tortured figures, with shaggy heads and pleading arms.” (p. 110, ll. 30-31). Here, the description suggests that Billy is both observing the trees and projecting his own emotions onto them. 

The narrator also offers Billy’s interpretation of other characters’ thoughts and feelings, which...