The point of view used in the story is third-person omniscient. The invisible narrator, however, stays very close to the central character, Elizabeth Bates, and readers are presented with her thoughts. She is revealed fully from without and within. She is the center of consciousness, and the narrative follows her movements, so that, for example, when she goes to search for her husband, the narrative focus shifts to the Riley's home and does not return to Elizabeth's children left behind.