Leaf by Niggle

Niggle’s story is written in a conversational style, similar to the fairy tales one might tell children. The writing is kept short and simple, almost childlike in a sense, and is told from the view of a narrator who tells Niggle’s inward thoughts as well as his actions and the actions of other characters. Because of this narrative structure, the reader gets a sense of Niggle’s inner struggle between wanting to finish his painting and wanting to help those in need. Though the reader can tell that Niggle does not want to help Parish initially, he eventually concedes because deep down Niggle knows it is the right thing to do, and in the end, this act is what helps the Voices decide whether he is ready to move on from the workhouse to something for comfortable. Furthermore, this structure of narration allows readers to get a better sense of the emotional journey Niggle is taking while he ventures far away from home. Though the narration is not strictly from Niggle’s perspective, the reader can sense Niggle is apprehensive about his journey for several reasons. Then, while on the journey, there is an indication that Niggle is afraid, as he has lost all of his belongings and eventually falls ill from working too much and eating too little.