What characterization best describes the narrator's perspective in the poem?

The characterization of the narrator as "unreliable and haunted by loss" effectively captures a complex emotional state that shapes the perspective presented in the poem. An unreliable narrator often reflects a subjective viewpoint, where their experiences and emotions can distort the narrative they present. This characterization suggests that the narrator’s perception may be clouded by their grief or sorrow, leading them to interpret events and realities differently than a more objective account would suggest.

The "haunted by loss" aspect indicates that the narrator's reflections are deeply influenced by their past experiences with loss, which creates a lingering emotional weight. This torment can shape their understanding of surrounding events or characters, making their narrative deeply personal and emotive but also potentially skewed or biased. Thus, the combination of being unreliable due to emotional turmoil and the haunting nature of loss gives readers a profound insight into the narrator's struggles, enriching the thematic depth of the poem.