Telling a story through the eyes of a child is by no means a new literary technique. Fantastic novels like Rowling's Harry Potter and Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little Cabin in the Woods use younger generations as central points of view. This tactic encourages a sense of adolescent discovery – almost magical – while simultaneously taking the reader back to their own childhood. Using this particular perspective changes the way the narrative records the world and therefore the way the story is told. In Room, Donoghue uses five-year-old Jack as a narrative perspective. His childish ignorance fosters a sense of tragedy; the reader is more aware of his situation than Jack is. Furthermore, it increases 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. Perhaps the focus would have been more on the psychological aspect and less on what Jack offers 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Basically, the difference between an adult and a child is a matter of perspective. Using Jack as the narrator, Room presents an alternate and usually invisible perspective. Because Jack was born in the Room, it is the only space and reality he has ever known. Thus, the place where he is unknowingly held captive is referred to as 'home', while the freedom of the outside world is 'fake', something Jack only ever sees on television. This sense of subverted reality is addressed right from the beginning, where Jack and Ma's routine temporarily convinces the reader that their existence inside the room is completely normal: Another rule is that the width of the walls is equal to the width of the floor, I count eleven feet going both directions, that means the floor is a square. (p.26) Donoghue's opening pages recount Jack and Ma's days through their established routine. Almost like a list, Jack specifies their individual tasks, including meals, laundry, and activities. This excerpt comes from another pastime, in which Jack decides to measure the Room. This particular activity, among all others, is particularly significant. While Jack thinks it is simply a game, Ma understands the meaning of this "square"; by measuring space, 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 discomfort is constantly present. There is a world beyond these four walls, yet Jack's reality is so small. Additionally, Jack's narrative capitalizes on everything he deems an important part of his life; like a child would name a stuffed animal, Jack names the different elements of the Room. 'Floor' becomes almost a sentient being, as if he were playing with one of his friends, and this misplaced sense of normality increases. Ultimately, it is these rules, games and rituals that simultaneously create a life for Jack within the Room, but will also lead to inevitable problems when his world becomes much, much bigger. Many experiences are measured by comparing them to each other. For example, a common phrase in adult narrative perspectives is “it was the happiest day of my life,” relying on other days to compare it. Before the eight years she spent in captivity, Ma grew up and experienced the outside world. As a child born in the Room, Jack was not. […]", 2010)