Narrator and point of view

David Evans’ short story “The Silver Bell” is narrated by a limited third-person narrator. The limited point of view is suggested by the fact that the narrator knows only what Mrs Mackenzie, the main character, is thinking and feeling, and does not have access to the thoughts and feelings of the other characters.

For part of the story, the narrator borrows Mrs Mackenzie’s perspective: “Disconcertingly sharp green eyes registered Mrs Mackenzie’s dishabille and the unlaid table. Then Lisa was striding past her and into the kitchenette, her per breasts bouncing under her thin T-shirt” (p. 113, ll. 1-3). Here, it is implied that Lisa’s characterization is made through Mrs Mackenzie’s eyes, who disapproves of Lisa’s outfit while also feeling judged by her. Mrs Mackenzie’s perspective is combined with the narrator’s observations on her actions,...