Telling a story through the eyes of a child is by no means a new literary technique. Fantasy novels such as Rowling's Harry Potter and Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little Cabin in the Woods use the younger generation as their central point of view. This tactic encourages a sense of adolescent discovery – almost magical – while simultaneously transporting the reader back to their own childhood. Using this particular perspective changes the way narration records the world, and therefore the way the story is told. In Room, Donoghue uses five-year-old Jack as a narrative perspective. His infantile ignorance reinforces the feeling of tragedy; the reader is more aware of his situation than Jack. Additionally, it reinforces the feelings of alienation that are inevitable when entering the real world. It is also interesting to consider the impact on the novel if Ma were the narrator instead. The emphasis might have been more on the psychological aspect, and less on what Jack gives us; he records what he sees and the simple emotions it makes him feel, without the added complications of an adult psyche. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Basically, the difference between an adult and a child is a matter of perspective. Using Jack as narrator, Room presents an alternative and generally unseen perspective. As Jack was born in Room, it is the only space and reality he has ever known. Therefore, the place where he is unknowingly held captive is defined as "home", while the freedom of the outside world is "imaginary", something Jack only sees on television. This sense of subverted reality is addressed early on, where Jack and Ma's routine temporarily convinces the reader that their existence in the room is completely normal: Another rule is that the width of the walls is the same as the width of the floor , I count eleven. the feet go in both directions, this means the floor is a square. (p.26) Donoghue's opening pages chronicle Jack and Ma's days through their established routine. Almost like a list, Jack details their individual activities, including meal times, laundry, and activities. This excerpt comes from another hobby, where Jack decides to measure Room. This particular activity, among all others, is particularly significant. While Jack thinks it's just a game, Ma understands the meaning of this "square"; by measuring Room, Jack essentially reduces their entire existence to numbers. This is one of many examples where Jack is simply going through his usual routine, while an underlying unease is constantly present. There is a world beyond these four walls, but Jack's reality is so small. Additionally, Jack's narration capitalizes everything he considers an important part of his life; like a child would name a stuffed toy, Jack names the different elements of Room. “Floor” almost becomes a sentient being, as if he were playing with one of his friends, and this feeling of displaced normality increases. In conclusion, it is these rules, games, and rituals that simultaneously create a life for Jack in Room, but will also lead to inevitable problems when his world becomes much larger. Many experiences are measured by comparing them to each other. For example, a common phrase in adult narrative perspectives is "that was the best day of my life", drawing on other days to compare this. Before the eight years she spent in captivity, Ma grew up and discovered the world […] », 2010)