Narrator and point of view

The short story “The Rejection” by Woody Allen is narrated from a third-person, limited point of view. The limited point of view is suggested by the narrator following the events as they happen and only having insight into Boris’, Anna’s, and possibly Mischa Ivanovich’s minds. 

The narrative mainly follows Boris and his perspective on the events. At the beginning of the story, the narrator’s comments are mixed with Boris’ perspective on his son’s rejection by the nursery: “Boris Ivanovich had tuned out and was lost in his own reveries. How could he face his co-workers at Bear Stearns when little Mischa had failed to get into a nursery school of reputation?” (p. 139, ll. 8-10), suggesting he fears his colleagues will judge him. As the story progresses, the narrator follows Boris’ thoughts on what will happen to his son, for example as he is “picturing poor Mischa in a w...