Narrator and point of view

The events described in the short story “The Kiss” by Kate Chopin are told by a third-person narrator, who is outside the story and only functions as an observer. The narrator presents an objective and detached account of the events, without judging any of the characters for their actions and decisions.

The narrator adopts the perspectives of all main characters in turn. First, readers get to know Brantain’s point of view: “Brantain sat in one of these shadows; it had overtaken him and he did not mind. The obscurity lent him courage to keep his eyes fastened as ardently as he liked upon the girl who sat in the firelight” (ll. 4-6). With this example, the narrator implies that Brantain is shy and passionate, features suggested by his choice to stay in the shadows. 

The narrator also presents Nathalie’...