Num 6: The Narration and Tone of "The Power of One"

In this blog entry, I will focus on the narration and tone of Bryce Courtenay’s novel, The Power of One. The Power of One has been written from first-person perspective and is loosely based in Bryce Courtenay’s own life. This novel is narrated by the main character and the protagonist of the story, Peekay. It allows the reader insight into the point of view of the main character and we see the tone of the story as Peekay looks back on his own naivety in his younger years.

The book is written in past tense, with Peekay looking back, as an adult, on the past. Peekay narrates from the future as he looks at his early childhood and teenage years. The fact that this book is written in first person, allows the reader insight into the thoughts and feelings all throughout his younger years. The reader is able sympathize with the naivety and lack of knowledge of this young character as he is subject to certain issues and values of the wide world. At the beginning we see Peekay’s lack of understanding of many issues surrounding him. The cruelty, hatred and racism, at that time, was something that Peekay was subject too but unable to fully comprehend. As Peekay grows and matures, he gains a greater understanding of the world around him but he always holds fast to his own values.

The stream of consciousness is a literary technique which has been widely used throughout this novel. The stream of consciousness technique is characterised by the presentation of the thoughts and feelings in a certain character. All throughout this novel, Peekay speaks of his own thoughts, feelings and understandings of certain matters. The reader is often subject to the reflexion,
consideration, contemplation, and the questions spinning through Peekay’s mind. The inclusion of these elements, adds to the striking message of the story and it allows the reader to have a better understanding for the way a young child thinks and feels about certain issues.

The tone of story is also a very important part of the structure of this novel. Tone refers to the manner in which written words might be said; for example, sarcastic, mild, witty or angry. The book is written from the tone of young child, who eventually grows and matures and gains a greater understanding. The tone often seems somewhat naive, at the beginning of the book. Often throughout the story, there is also the tone of irony, as the narrator looks back on his life and laughs at his early misunderstandings and misconceptions. Occasionally Peekay seems to critically look back on his past as he evaluates his own limited views and comprehension. The use of tone also allows the reader to better understand what is being said in the story.

The Power of One is written from the first person perspective of Peekay and it includes his thoughts, feelings and comprehension. By studying the narration and tone of this story, the reader can better understand and appreciate what is being portrayed.