How Nickel Boys uses first-person to tell a crucial story from a different perspective
“Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead masterfully employs the first-person perspective to convey a powerful narrative from a marginalized viewpoint. The protagonist, Elwood Curtis, recounts his experiences in the Nickel Academy, a brutal reform school, offering readers an immersive and empathetic window into systemic injustice.
Through Elwood’s eyes, Whitehead illuminates the horrors of abuse, racism, and the devastating consequences of a flawed system. Elwood’s voice carries the weight of truth, compelling readers to confront uncomfortable historical realities and the ongoing impact of institutionalized discrimination.