What is Point of View?
Pronunciation: /pɔɪnt əv vjuː/
Point of view (POV) in literature refers to the perspective from which a story is narrated. It determines the angle and scope of the narrative, influencing how readers perceive the events and characters. 📖👀
Types of Point of View
There are several types of point of view, each offering a different lens through which the story is told. Here are the main types with examples:
Type of Point of View | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
First Person | The narrator is a character in the story, using “I” or “we”. | “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee |
Second Person | The narrator addresses the reader directly using “you”. | “Bright Lights, Big City” by Jay McInerney |
Third Person Limited | The narrator is outside the story but knows the thoughts and feelings of one character. | “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling |
Third Person Omniscient | The narrator knows all the thoughts and feelings of all characters. | “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen |
Third Person Objective | The narrator reports only what can be seen and heard, without inner thoughts or feelings. | “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway |
Stream of Consciousness | The narrative follows the flow of thoughts in a character’s mind. | “Mrs Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf |
Point of View Rules
Choosing the right point of view involves understanding and applying certain rules. Here’s a table of essential point of view rules for writers:
Rule | Description |
---|---|
Consistency | Maintain the chosen point of view throughout the narrative to avoid confusing the reader. |
Character Insight | Use point of view to provide insight into characters’ thoughts and motivations. |
Narrative Distance | Decide on the level of closeness or detachment the narrator will have with the characters and events. |
Voice and Tone | Ensure the narrator’s voice and tone are appropriate for the story and consistent with their character or role. |
Reliability | Determine if the narrator is reliable or unreliable, influencing how readers perceive the story’s truth. |
Perspective | Use point of view to offer different perspectives, which can add depth and complexity to the story. |
Emotion and Connection | Choose a point of view that allows readers to emotionally connect with the characters and the story. |
Examples in Literature, Poetry, Songs, Movies, and Advertising
Point of View in Literature
Literature is rich with diverse points of view that shape how stories are told and experienced. Here are some famous examples:
Work | Author | Point of View |
---|---|---|
“The Great Gatsby” | F. Scott Fitzgerald | First person, narrated by Nick Carraway |
“1984” | George Orwell | Third person limited, focusing on Winston Smith |
“Moby Dick” | Herman Melville | First person, narrated by Ishmael |
Watch a discussion on “The Great Gatsby”: Exploring The Great Gatsby
Point of View Odes in Children’s Books
Children’s books often utilize point of view to engage young readers and enhance storytelling. Here are some examples:
Book | Author | Point of View |
---|---|---|
“Charlotte’s Web” | E.B. White | Third person omniscient, providing insights into multiple characters |
“The Cat in the Hat” | Dr. Seuss | First person, narrated by the unnamed child |
“Matilda” | Roald Dahl | Third person limited, focusing on Matilda |
Listen to the story of “Charlotte’s Web”: Charlotte’s Web Story
Point of View in Poetry
Poetry uses point of view to convey emotions and perspectives in a condensed form. Here are some notable examples:
Poem | Poet | Point of View |
---|---|---|
“The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” | T.S. Eliot | First person, narrated by J. Alfred Prufrock |
“Daffodils” | William Wordsworth | First person, expressing the poet’s personal experience |
“Annabel Lee” | Edgar Allan Poe | First person, recounting a lover’s lament |
Watch a reading of “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”: The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
Point of View in Songs
Songs often tell stories or express emotions through the point of view in their lyrics. Here are some examples:
Song | Artist | Point of View |
---|---|---|
“Stan” | Eminem | First person, narrated through letters from Stan to Eminem |
“Yesterday” | The Beatles | First person, expressing personal regret |
“Bohemian Rhapsody” | Queen | First person, a complex narrative from the perspective of the protagonist |
Watch the music video for “Stan” by Eminem: Stan by Eminem
Point of View Odes in Movies
Movies use point of view to create visual and emotional perspectives. Here are some iconic examples:
Movie | Director | Point of View |
---|---|---|
“Fight Club” | David Fincher | First person, narrated by the unnamed protagonist |
“Forrest Gump” | Robert Zemeckis | First person, narrated by Forrest Gump |
“The Shawshank Redemption” | Frank Darabont | First person, narrated by Red |
Watch the twist reveal in “Fight Club”: Fight Club Twist Scene
Point of View in Advertising
Advertisements use point of view to connect with audiences and deliver impactful messages. Here are some notable examples:
Ad Campaign | Brand | Point of View |
---|---|---|
“Think Different” | Apple | First person, narrated by various iconic figures celebrating creativity |
“Dumb Ways to Die” | Metro Trains Melbourne | Third person, presenting humorous safety tips |
“The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” | Old Spice | Second person, directly addressing the audience |
Watch the “Think Different” ad by Apple: Think Different by Apple
FAQs about Point of View
What is point of view in literature?
Point of view is the perspective from which a story is narrated, influencing how events and characters are perceived by the reader.
How many types of point of view are there?
There are several types, including first person, second person, third person limited, third person omniscient, third person objective, and stream of consciousness.
Why is point of view important in storytelling?
Point of view shapes the reader’s experience, providing insight into characters’ thoughts and emotions and guiding the narrative flow.
Can point of view change in a story?
Yes, some stories use multiple points of view to provide different perspectives and add depth to the narrative.
What is the difference between first person and third person point of view?
First person uses “I” or “we,” making the narrator a character in the story, while third person uses “he,” “she,” or “they,” with the narrator outside the story.
How does point of view affect the reliability of the narrator?
The chosen point of view can determine whether the narrator is seen as reliable or unreliable, influencing the reader’s trust in the narrative.
Related Devices
- Narrative Voice: The unique style and perspective through which a story is told.
- Stream of Consciousness: A narrative mode that captures the flow of thoughts and feelings passing through a character’s mind.
- Unreliable Narrator: A narrator whose credibility is compromised, making the story’s truth ambiguous.
- Perspective: The angle or viewpoint from which the story is told, often linked to the narrator’s position in the narrative.
- Tone: The attitude or mood conveyed by the narrative voice.
- Characterization: The process by which characters are introduced, developed, and portrayed in a story.