There are so many things that go into creating a work of fiction. Authors have to create characters, come up with conflicts and complications in the story, infuse objects and ideas with deeper meanings, surprise you and keep you interested, and figure out a way to end it. But before much of that can happen, an author has to decide how to tell the story: they need to determine the point of view from which the story will be told.
In thinking deeply about point of view from an analysis perspective, consider:
- What are the advantages of using first-person rather than third-person?
- How does first-person point of view limit your experience with the story and other characters?
- Likewise, what are the advantages of third-person over first?
- Third-person point of view also has layers of perspective. How is a limited third-person narrator different from an omniscient narrator?
- How does a third-person narrator limit your experiences with the characters, especially the main character?
1st paragraph: What is unique about the point of view in the book you're reading? What are the benefits for the reader and what are the drawbacks? In other words, what does the point of view of your book allow you to know and not know? How does this affect the story overall?
2nd paragraph: How would this story be different in told from the opposite point of view? If your book is in first-person, how would it be different if it were in third-person, and vice versa? Think of one specific part of the book (a scene) and describe how it would be changed if it was from the opposite point of view.
Bonus! For all you writers out there...Write that scene from the opposite point of view. This is sort of a fan fiction opportunity. Have fun with it (or don't...this is optional.)
Due Friday, October 1.
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