Narrator and point of view

The short story “The Gentlemen of the Jungle” by Jomo Kenyatta is narrated by a third-person, omniscient narrator, who generally takes on the perspective of the protagonist – the man. The narrator’s omniscience implies that he or she has access to the characters’ thoughts. The narrator’s insight into the man’s mind is explicit: “The man, having no alternative, and fearing that his refusal might expose him to the teeth and claws of members of the Commission, did as they suggested.” (p. 173, ll. 14-16)

On the other hand, the narrator’s knowledge about the animals’ inner thoughts is more indirectly implied: “After hearing the Rt Hon Mr Elephant’s conclusive evidence, the Commission called Mr Hyena and other elders of the jungle” (p. 172, ll. 36-37). Here, the word “conclusive” suggests that the narrator knows the animals have decided to only take into account Mr Elephant’s ...