A Point of View Analysis of James Thurber

In James Thurber's short story "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," we encounter a man who constantly daydreams. Since the story is told in a third-person narration, the readers have a distinct perspective and a better understanding of the character's personality and thought process. With access to the protagonist's mind, the readers are able to understand and relate the significance of his dreams to his reality. Mitty's dreams of being a highly regarded individual are …

…were not transported into Walter Mitty's mind, he would certainly be perceived as a boring man, losing himself in his thoughts every now and then. His lack of integrity will force him to keep living the life he would rather modify. As readers, we realize he is obliged to plunge into new fantasies in order to keep despair, age and boredom at bay. That is why we can understand the complex world of Walter Mitty.