Narrator and point of view

The short story “The Happiest Days of Your Lives” by Penelope Lively appears to be narrated by a limited third-person narrator. The narrator’s limited point of view is suggested by the fact that he or she knows only what some of the characters are thinking and feeling. Also, the narrator never displays any knowledge of past or future events, which an omniscient narrator would otherwise often do.

For most of the story, the narrator borrows the perspective of Mrs Manders or of her son, Charles. For example, the narrator has at least partial access to what Mrs Manders is thinking: “the woman, the mother, thought: ‘I like the way they’ve got the maid all done up properly.’ ” (p. 56, ll. 14-15). It is worth noting that despite our insight into her thoughts and feelings, we do not sympathise with her. She is simply too superficial and cold as a person.

The narrator also has access to Charles’ perspective, wh...