Point of View.
Definition: Point of view is the manner in which a story is narrated or depicted and who it is that tells the story.
Simply put, the point of view determines the angle and perception of the story unfolding, and thus influences the tone in which the story takes place. The point of view is instrumental in manipulating the reader's understanding of the narrative. In a way, the point of view can allow or withhold the reader reader access into the greater reaches of the story. Two of the most common point of view techniques are the first person, wherein the story is told by the narrator from his or her standpoint and the third person wherein the narrator does not figure in the even of the story and tells the story by referring to all characters and places in the third person with third person pronouns and proper nouns.
For example, in the popular Lord of the Rings book series, the stories are narrated in the third person and all happenings are described from an “outside the story” point of view. Contrastingly, in the popular teen book series, Princess Diaries, the story is told in the first person, by the protagonist herself.
Simply put, the point of view determines the angle and perception of the story unfolding, and thus influences the tone in which the story takes place. The point of view is instrumental in manipulating the reader's understanding of the narrative. In a way, the point of view can allow or withhold the reader reader access into the greater reaches of the story. Two of the most common point of view techniques are the first person, wherein the story is told by the narrator from his or her standpoint and the third person wherein the narrator does not figure in the even of the story and tells the story by referring to all characters and places in the third person with third person pronouns and proper nouns.
For example, in the popular Lord of the Rings book series, the stories are narrated in the third person and all happenings are described from an “outside the story” point of view. Contrastingly, in the popular teen book series, Princess Diaries, the story is told in the first person, by the protagonist herself.
Lesson 1: Determine the point of view and perspective of the paragraph below.
As I walked through my bedroom door, my mom came to stand beside me. The walls, once decorated with posters, and the bookshelves once covered in toys and games, were now barren. Only two boxes remained—an old collection of toys and one last box ready to go with me to college. Mom gasped and threw her arms around me as she saw the empty room. My excitement dampened when I realized how sad my mom was to see me go. I couldn’t believe today was the day I would be leaving for college, and even though I was excited, I sure was going to miss my family.
Point of View: Perspective:
Textual Evidence: Textual Evidence:
Lesson 2: Determine the point of view and perspective of the paragraph below.
Peering through the cardboard box, Woody could see Andy coming through the door, followed closely by his mom. He watched eagerly, excited to see what would happen. When mom began to cry while hugging Andy, Woody knew something was wrong. He quickly realized that he would be leaving, separated from his friends stuffed in the box sitting on the floor. Woody turned his head away from the sad scene and came face to face with an old picture of himself, Andy, and his best buds. His eyes lowered, and his heart sank with sadness.
Point of View: Perspective:
Textual Evidence: Textual Evidence:
Answer: How do the different perspectives effect how each story is told?
Peering through the cardboard box, Woody could see Andy coming through the door, followed closely by his mom. He watched eagerly, excited to see what would happen. When mom began to cry while hugging Andy, Woody knew something was wrong. He quickly realized that he would be leaving, separated from his friends stuffed in the box sitting on the floor. Woody turned his head away from the sad scene and came face to face with an old picture of himself, Andy, and his best buds. His eyes lowered, and his heart sank with sadness.
Point of View: Perspective:
Textual Evidence: Textual Evidence:
Answer: How do the different perspectives effect how each story is told?