My Brilliant Friend Lesson Plan

How does the point of view affect this story?

Elena is telling the story retrospectively, already knowing the outcome, which allows her to adjust the narrative as she sees fit. It also means Elena has a broader point of view than if she told the story as it happened; she can tell of things that she may not have been there to witness and know about at the time. Students should also recognize the limitations to Elena's perspective. In Childhood, Chapter 16, she says that she was sure that to Lila, everything was clear. This may not be true, but there is no one to contradict it. Readers get every situation and character through Elena's eyes presented as absolute truth....