Point of View

Definition

Point of view refers to the perspective from which a story is told, influencing how readers perceive characters, events, and the overall narrative. It shapes the emotional connection between the reader and the story by determining what information is revealed or withheld, which in turn impacts the setting, atmosphere, themes, subtext, and how vivid and immersive scenes are created. The choice of point of view can significantly affect the techniques employed in literary journalism, as it dictates the author's relationship with the subject matter and the audience's engagement with it.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Point of view can be categorized mainly into first-person, second-person, and third-person perspectives, each offering a different level of intimacy and insight into characters' thoughts.
2. In literary journalism, point of view plays a crucial role in shaping the author’s stance toward their subject and influences how readers interpret the narrative.
3. The choice of point of view can create bias, as it may highlight certain aspects while minimizing others, affecting themes and subtext within the writing.
4. Using an omniscient point of view allows authors to present multiple perspectives on a single event, enriching the narrative and enhancing complexity.
5. Switching point of view within a narrative can create dramatic tension or contrast, allowing readers to experience varying emotional landscapes throughout the story.

Review Questions

• How does point of view affect a reader's understanding of setting and atmosphere in a narrative?
  • Point of view greatly influences how setting and atmosphere are portrayed in a narrative. For instance, a first-person perspective can provide personal insights into a character's surroundings, making the setting feel more immediate and relatable. Conversely, a third-person omniscient narrator can describe multiple settings simultaneously, establishing a broader atmospheric context that shapes readers' understanding and emotional responses to the environment.
• Discuss how point of view can shape theme and subtext within a narrative.
  • Point of view is crucial for developing theme and subtext because it determines what information is conveyed to the reader and how it's interpreted. A first-person narrator may reveal personal biases or limitations that color their understanding of events, which can add layers to thematic exploration. In contrast, an objective third-person point of view might allow for a more neutral exploration of themes but can lack depth in emotional nuance. Thus, the chosen perspective intricately weaves together themes and underlying messages within the story.
• Evaluate how different points of view can impact the techniques used in literary journalism to engage readers.
  • Different points of view in literary journalism profoundly impact engagement techniques by shaping how stories are told. For instance, a first-person perspective can draw readers into an author's personal experience, fostering a deep emotional connection with their journey. Meanwhile, using third-person limited allows for balanced reporting while still providing insights into specific subjects' thoughts and feelings. This strategic use of perspective not only affects reader empathy but also influences how effectively complex narratives are communicated, encouraging diverse interpretations among audiences.

Related terms

First Person: A narrative perspective where the storyteller uses 'I' or 'we,' providing an intimate view of their thoughts and feelings.

Third Person Limited: A narrative perspective where the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of one character, offering insight into that character while maintaining some distance from others.

Narrative Distance: The perceived closeness or distance between the narrator and the characters or events in a story, affecting how intimate or detached the reader feels.