Narrator and point of view

The short story “A Meeting in the Dark” by Ngugi wa Thiong’o is told by a third-person narrator. The story is told mainly from John’s perspective, and we get an insight into his thoughts and feelings. For instance: 

The light still shone in his mother’s hut. John wondered if he should go in for the night prayers. But he thought against it; he might not be strong enough to face his parents. In his hut the light had gone out. He hoped his father had not noticed it.

John’s perspective throughout the narrative is subjective, often suggesting a distorted view of reality. For example, he frequently thinks other people are happy and carefree, while only he is burdened by duties and responsibilities. For instance: “Here and there, groups of boys and gi...