Narrator and point of view

The short story “Old Growth” by Lisa Alward is narrated by a limited third-person narrator. The limited point of view is suggested by the fact that the narrator knows only what Gwyneth, the main character, is thinking and feeling, and does not have access to the thoughts and feelings of the other characters.

For most of the story, the narrator borrows Gwyneth’s perspective: “No doubt the younger and more attractive of the two agents on the island: Ray would have done his research.” (ll. 9-10). Here, Gwyneth’s knowledge of Ray’s personality is implied, suggesting that the narrator is describing the action through her eyes. Gwyneth’s perspective is combined with the narrator’s observations on her actions, thoughts, and feelings: “Gwyneth would like to make another crack about this but feels too chastened by the T-shirt.” (ll. 10-11). Another example of this is: “Gwyneth tries to ca...