Simon's Point of View

The Bone People, by Keri Hulme, is written in an all knowing omniscient third person point of view. Hulme gives the thoughts, feelings, actions, and conversations of all characters, but focuses mainly on Kerewin Holmes, Joseph Gillayley, and Simon Gillayley. Even with the narrower group of characters, Simon’s point of view is the least given throughout the novel. Simon is not solely concentrated on until the end of the novel. Simon’s perspective would be an interesting twist because he’s watching Kerewin and Joe as well as observing everything as a mute. If Hulme had used Simon’s point of view more, the reader would have a deeper insight into his mind along with Kerewin and Joe’s relationship.

The novel begins with Kerewin catching Simon scaling her building and is about how Kerewin feels in response. If the novel had began with Simon leaving his house and finding Kerewin’s tower, the reader would have a whole other background. There must have been a reason Simon left school and was curious enough to up Kerewin’s house. Also the mystery behind Simon’s impaled foot would be solved, besides just knowing that Kerewin thinks he “jumped on something” and got wood stuck in his heel (Hulme 18). Did Simon jump on something? If so, why was he jumping and where could he have done it? These are questions only Simon could answer, but instead the reader just goes with what Kerewin believes. The limited perspective from Kerewin also presents itself when she meets Joe for the first time. Their meeting is told using only their thoughts and words, but Simon’s view could have shown more accurate facial expressions and body language that Kerewin and Joe do not recognize themselves doing.  

For the most part, Kerewin and Joe have the spotlight with viewpoint, especially when the two characters are together. Simon is given moments, such as when the three are on vacation. The reader learns that Simon enjoys himself on holiday with a familial structure. The implication is Kerewin and Joe act like parents to Simon, but it’s unknown whether Simon perceives Kerewin and Joe together like that. Do they subconsciously act as a couple would, considering they went on a holiday together? Joe and Kerewin might not see themselves doing that, but Simon could. Simon’s silent observation could have affected how the reader feels about Kerewin and Joe’s relationship.

Finally, Simon’s perspective is the most important when it comes to his relationship with Joe. Throughout the novel there are little snippets from Simon about his thoughts on Joe and abuse. Mostly, however, it is Joe and Kerewin who comment on it, which shapes the reader’s view. A perfect example is Kerewin thinking Simon will “carry his scars for life yet he doesn’t seem concerned” and the truth in the matter is a reader does not know if Simon is concerned about this (Hulme 241). The thoughts are not written. Simon’s view on his own relationship and abuse are not told. The fear he has is obvious, but that is only because Kerewin and Joe sense his fear. If Simon could have explained everything from why he did things he was not supposed to, to why he loved Joe still after being abused, and if he even believed he was being abused the novel would have had a different feel.

Simon’s point of view would have explained a lot more and changed the book, but ultimately the way Hulme wrote offered a successful mix of views to make an intriguing story. Maybe there was a purposeful mystery behind Simon and that is why he was the least concentrated on for thoughts. However, it would be interesting to see where Simon went when he was not with Kerewin or Joe such as at school and with Piri. Simon’s view could have made a thrilling novel that involves PTSD from shipwreck leading to a psychological need to be mute that ties into the process of abuse all added to the mischievous streak he seems to have.