Lesson 13 Determining Point Of View

Lesson 13: Determining Point of View in Literature

Understanding point of view is crucial for both reading and writing compelling narratives. It's the lens through which the reader experiences the story, shaping their perception of characters, events, and the overall theme. This lesson delves deep into the various points of view, providing clear definitions, examples, and practical exercises to help you master this essential aspect of storytelling.

What is Point of View?

Point of view (POV) refers to the perspective from which a story is told. It dictates who is narrating the story and the extent of their knowledge and access to information. The choice of POV significantly impacts the reader's engagement and interpretation. A wrong choice can make a story confusing or unbelievable, while a well-chosen POV can enhance the emotional impact and thematic resonance.

Major Types of Point of View

Several major types of POV exist, each with its unique strengths and limitations:

1. First-Person Point of View

In first-person POV, the narrator is a character within the story, using "I" or "we" to recount events. This perspective offers an intimate and subjective experience. The reader only knows what the narrator knows and feels. This can create a sense of immediacy and authenticity, allowing the reader to connect deeply with the character's thoughts and emotions.

Advantages:

• Intimacy and closeness to the character: Readers feel directly connected to the narrator's experiences and feelings.
• Enhanced emotional impact: The reader experiences the events through the character's emotional lens.
• Creates a sense of authenticity: The story feels more real and relatable.

Disadvantages:

• Limited perspective: The reader only knows what the narrator chooses to reveal. Important information may be withheld or misrepresented.
• Unreliable narrator: The narrator may be biased, untrustworthy, or even delusional, leading to unreliable information.
• Can feel restrictive: The story's scope is limited to the narrator's experiences and knowledge.

Example: "I woke up to the sound of rain lashing against the window. My heart pounded in my chest. I knew I had to escape, but where could I go?"

2. Second-Person Point of View

Second-person POV uses "you" to address the reader directly, placing them into the story as the protagonist. This perspective is less common but can be highly effective when creating immersive experiences or interactive narratives. It often appears in choose-your-own-adventure stories or instructional writing.

Advantages:

• Immersive and engaging: The reader becomes the main character, actively participating in the story.
• Creates a sense of immediacy: The reader feels directly involved in the events unfolding.

Disadvantages:

• Can feel manipulative: The constant "you" can feel intrusive or controlling for some readers.
• Limits reader identification: While immersive, it can prevent readers from fully identifying with the character if their experiences differ significantly.
• Difficult to sustain: Maintaining the second-person perspective consistently throughout a long narrative can be challenging.

Example: "You open the heavy oak door, the scent of dust and old books filling your nostrils. You hesitate, your hand hovering over the cold, metallic handle of a drawer."

3. Third-Person Point of View

Third-person POV uses "he," "she," "it," or "they" to narrate the story, observing characters from an external perspective. This perspective offers greater flexibility and scope than first or second-person. However, there are several subtypes within the third-person POV:

3a. Third-Person Omniscient

In third-person omniscient, the narrator has access to the thoughts and feelings of all characters in the story. This allows for a broader perspective and understanding of the events, offering insights into multiple viewpoints and motivations.

Advantages:

• Broad perspective: The narrator can provide information and insights unavailable to individual characters.
• Enhanced understanding of character motivations: Readers gain a deep understanding of why characters act the way they do.
• Can create dramatic irony: The narrator's knowledge of future events or hidden information creates suspense and intrigue.

Disadvantages:

• Can feel distant: The lack of close connection to a single character can make the story feel less personal.
• Overly intrusive narrator: An omniscient narrator can become too involved, hindering the reader's own interpretation.
• Difficult to maintain consistency: Juggling multiple character perspectives requires careful planning and execution.

Example: "He clenched his fist, his anger simmering beneath the surface, while she secretly prayed for his forgiveness, unaware of the truth hidden in his heart."

3b. Third-Person Limited Omniscient

This type of POV provides access to the thoughts and feelings of one character. The narrator focuses primarily on this character's perspective, though they may occasionally offer brief glimpses into the thoughts or actions of other characters.

Advantages:

• Focus and intimacy: The reader develops a close connection with the chosen character.
• Creates suspense and mystery: Information is revealed gradually, based on the chosen character's knowledge.
• Balance between intimacy and breadth: Offers a more intimate connection than omniscient while maintaining a wider perspective than first-person.

Disadvantages:

• Limited perspective: The reader is restricted to the chosen character's viewpoint, potentially missing crucial information.
• Potential for misinterpretation: The chosen character's biased perception may mislead the reader.

Example: "Sarah felt a chill run down her spine as she watched him walk away. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong, though she couldn't articulate why."

3c. Third-Person Objective

In third-person objective, the narrator acts as a detached observer, reporting events without access to any character's thoughts or feelings. The story is presented purely through actions and dialogue.

Advantages:

• Creates a sense of objectivity: The reader forms their own interpretations without the narrator's bias.
• Forces reader engagement: Readers must actively interpret character's motivations based solely on their actions.
• Creates suspense: The lack of insight into character's thoughts enhances the mystery and tension.

Disadvantages:

• Can feel distant and uninvolving: The lack of emotional connection can make the story feel cold or impersonal.
• Challenges the reader: Interpreting the story solely through actions requires greater effort from the reader.
• May limit emotional impact: The absence of internal thoughts can lessen the story's emotional power.

Example: "He slammed the door. She stared at the floor, her shoulders slumped. Silence filled the room, broken only by the ticking clock."

Choosing the Right Point of View

The choice of POV depends on the story's specific needs and goals. Consider these factors:

• The story's genre: Some genres lend themselves better to certain POVs (e.g., first-person for memoirs, omniscient for epics).
• The desired level of intimacy: First-person offers intimacy, while third-person objective maintains distance.
• The complexity of the plot: Omniscient POV can handle complex plots, while limited POV suits simpler narratives.
• The character's reliability: Consider whether the narrative benefits from an unreliable narrator.

Identifying Point of View in Literature

To identify the point of view in a given text, ask yourself:

• Who is narrating the story? Is it a character within the story, or an external observer?
• What information is revealed? Does the narrator have access to multiple characters' thoughts, or is the perspective limited to one?
• What pronouns are used? First-person uses "I" or "we," second-person uses "you," and third-person uses "he," "she," "it," or "they."

Exercises: Practicing Point of View

Exercise 1: Read a short story or excerpt and identify the point of view. Explain your reasoning, citing specific examples from the text.

Exercise 2: Rewrite a short passage from a different point of view. For example, if the passage is in first-person, rewrite it in third-person limited. Analyze how the change in POV affects the story's tone and impact.

Exercise 3: Create a short scene using each of the major POVs (first-person, second-person, third-person omniscient, third-person limited, and third-person objective). Compare and contrast the effectiveness of each approach.

Conclusion

Mastering point of view is a key skill for any writer. Understanding the nuances of each POV and its impact on storytelling will elevate your writing, allowing you to craft narratives that are engaging, emotionally resonant, and truly captivating for your readers. By consciously choosing and utilizing point of view effectively, you can profoundly shape the reader’s experience and create a memorable literary work. Remember to practice regularly, experiment with different approaches, and always consider the specific impact you want your chosen POV to have on your overall narrative.