Perspective

What is Perspective? 🔍

Pronunciation: /pərˈspɛktɪv/

Perspective in literature refers to the lens through which the story is told. It encompasses the narrator’s position in relation to the story being told and influences how readers perceive the narrative. Perspective shapes the narrative’s voice, tone, and how much information is shared with the audience. It plays a critical role in character development, plot progression, and theme exploration.

How Writers Use Perspective ✍️

Writers use perspective to:

  • Provide unique viewpoints and insights into characters and events.
  • Control the flow of information and narrative pacing.
  • Build suspense and tension by limiting or revealing details.
  • Create empathy and connection with characters.
  • Highlight different themes and moral questions.

Types of Perspective 📚

TypeDescriptionExample
First-Person PerspectiveThe story is narrated by a character within the story using “I” or “we.”“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Second-Person PerspectiveThe narrator addresses the reader directly using “you.”“Bright Lights, Big City” by Jay McInerney
Third-Person Limited PerspectiveThe narrator is outside the story but knows the thoughts and feelings of one character.“Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling
Third-Person Omniscient PerspectiveThe narrator knows all the thoughts and feelings of all characters.“War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy
Third-Person Objective PerspectiveThe narrator reports events without revealing the thoughts or feelings of characters.“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson

Perspective Rules 📜

RuleExplanation
Consistent ViewpointMaintain a consistent perspective throughout the narrative.
Character InsightUse perspective to provide insight into characters’ thoughts and motivations.
Appropriate DistanceChoose a perspective that provides the appropriate emotional and narrative distance.
Engage the ReaderSelect a perspective that engages the reader and enhances their experience.
Adapt to Story NeedsBe flexible and choose the perspective that best serves the story’s themes and structure.

Examples in Literature, Poetry, Songs, Movies, and Advertising

Perspective in Literature 📖

WorkAuthorExample
“The Great Gatsby”F. Scott FitzgeraldThe story is narrated by Nick Carraway, providing a first-person perspective on Gatsby’s life.
“Harry Potter” seriesJ.K. RowlingThe narrative mostly follows Harry Potter’s perspective, offering a third-person limited view.
“To Kill a Mockingbird”Harper LeeScout Finch narrates the story from her childhood perspective, providing unique insights.

Watch The Great Gatsby – Analysis on YouTube.

Perspective Odes in Children’s Books 📚

BookAuthorExample
“The Tale of Peter Rabbit”Beatrix PotterThe story is told from a third-person perspective, focusing on Peter Rabbit’s adventures.
“Charlotte’s Web”E.B. WhiteThe narrative shifts between the perspectives of different animals and humans.
“Where the Wild Things Are”Maurice SendakThe story is told from a third-person perspective, focusing on Max’s imaginative journey.

Watch The Tale of Peter Rabbit – Animated Story on YouTube.

Perspective in Poetry 🎨

PoemPoetExample
“The Raven”Edgar Allan PoeThe poem is narrated from the first-person perspective of a grieving man.
“Daddy”Sylvia PlathThe poem is written from the first-person perspective, reflecting Plath’s personal experiences.
“Ode to a Nightingale”John KeatsThe poem is narrated from the first-person perspective, capturing the speaker’s emotional response to the nightingale’s song.

Watch The Raven – Edgar Allan Poe Reading on YouTube.

Perspective in Songs 🎶

SongArtistExample
“Stan”EminemThe song is narrated from the perspective of an obsessed fan writing to Eminem.
“The Sound of Silence”Simon & GarfunkelThe song presents a reflective first-person perspective on societal issues.
“Imagine”John LennonThe song adopts a first-person perspective to envision a world of peace and unity.

Watch Eminem – Stan ft. Dido on YouTube.

Perspective Odes in Movies 🎬

MovieCharacterExample
“Forrest Gump”Forrest GumpThe story is narrated by Forrest, providing a first-person perspective on his life.
“The Shawshank Redemption”Ellis “Red” ReddingThe narrative is told from Red’s perspective, offering insights into Andy’s journey.
“The Sixth Sense”Cole SearThe story is primarily told from Cole’s perspective, revealing his experiences with the supernatural.

Watch Forrest Gump – Run, Forrest, Run! on YouTube.

Perspective in Advertising 📺

AdBrandExample
“The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”Old SpiceThe ad adopts a second-person perspective, directly addressing the viewer.
“Think Different”AppleThe ad uses a third-person perspective to celebrate iconic figures who “think different.”
“Real Beauty Sketches”DoveThe ad uses the perspective of an artist drawing women based on their own and others’ descriptions.

Watch Old Spice – The Man Your Man Could Smell Like on YouTube.

FAQs about Perspective

What is Perspective?

Perspective in literature refers to the lens through which the story is told, influencing how readers perceive the narrative.

Why do writers use Perspective?

Writers use perspective to provide unique viewpoints, control the flow of information, build suspense, create empathy, and highlight themes.

What are some famous examples of Perspective?

Famous examples include “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee.

Can Perspective be used in different types of media?

Yes, perspective can be found in literature, poetry, songs, movies, and advertising, adding depth and variety to the narrative.

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