Narrative Journalism

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Author's attitude

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Narrative Journalism

Definition

Author's attitude refers to the perspective or emotional stance that a writer takes toward the subject matter, characters, and audience in their narrative. This attitude can shape how readers perceive the story, influencing their emotional responses and interpretations. It’s essential for establishing mood and tone, which contribute significantly to the overall setting and atmosphere of a piece.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The author's attitude can be revealed through word choice, sentence structure, and the details included or omitted in the narrative.
  2. Understanding an author's attitude is key to interpreting themes and messages within a text, as it reflects their values and beliefs.
  3. Authors may use irony, sarcasm, or sincerity in their writing to convey specific attitudes toward characters or events.
  4. The setting plays a crucial role in shaping an author's attitude, as it can enhance or contrast with the emotions portrayed in the narrative.
  5. A consistent author's attitude throughout a piece helps create a cohesive atmosphere that reinforces the overall impact of the story.

Review Questions

  • How does an author's attitude influence the reader's interpretation of a narrative?
    • An author's attitude shapes how readers perceive characters and events by infusing emotion and perspective into the narrative. When an author expresses a positive or negative stance toward a character, it can lead readers to sympathize or criticize that character accordingly. This emotional guidance helps mold readers' interpretations of themes and messages within the text.
  • In what ways can an author convey their attitude through setting, and why is this important?
    • An author can convey their attitude through setting by using descriptive language that reflects their feelings about a place or time. For instance, a gloomy description of a stormy night can suggest a negative attitude towards events unfolding in that environment. This connection is important because it enhances mood and atmosphere, allowing readers to experience the emotional weight of the story more profoundly.
  • Evaluate how contrasting moods created by an author's attitude can impact character development within a narrative.
    • Contrasting moods influenced by an author's attitude can significantly enhance character development by revealing complexities within characters’ personalities. For example, if an author adopts a critical tone towards a character's actions while simultaneously presenting moments of vulnerability, this contrast can lead readers to develop a nuanced understanding of that character. Such depth encourages readers to engage with characters on multiple levels, fostering empathy and promoting deeper analysis of their motivations and conflicts.

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