Point of View

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 ViewDescriptionExample
First PersonThe narrator is a character in the story, using “I” or “we”.“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
Second PersonThe narrator addresses the reader directly using “you”.“Bright Lights, Big City” by Jay McInerney
Third Person LimitedThe 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 OmniscientThe narrator knows all the thoughts and feelings of all characters.“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
Third Person ObjectiveThe narrator reports only what can be seen and heard, without inner thoughts or feelings.“Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway
Stream of ConsciousnessThe 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:

RuleDescription
ConsistencyMaintain the chosen point of view throughout the narrative to avoid confusing the reader.
Character InsightUse point of view to provide insight into characters’ thoughts and motivations.
Narrative DistanceDecide on the level of closeness or detachment the narrator will have with the characters and events.
Voice and ToneEnsure the narrator’s voice and tone are appropriate for the story and consistent with their character or role.
ReliabilityDetermine if the narrator is reliable or unreliable, influencing how readers perceive the story’s truth.
PerspectiveUse point of view to offer different perspectives, which can add depth and complexity to the story.
Emotion and ConnectionChoose 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:

WorkAuthorPoint of View
“The Great Gatsby”F. Scott FitzgeraldFirst person, narrated by Nick Carraway
“1984”George OrwellThird person limited, focusing on Winston Smith
“Moby Dick”Herman MelvilleFirst 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:

BookAuthorPoint of View
“Charlotte’s Web”E.B. WhiteThird person omniscient, providing insights into multiple characters
“The Cat in the Hat”Dr. SeussFirst person, narrated by the unnamed child
“Matilda”Roald DahlThird 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:

PoemPoetPoint of View
“The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”T.S. EliotFirst person, narrated by J. Alfred Prufrock
“Daffodils”William WordsworthFirst person, expressing the poet’s personal experience
“Annabel Lee”Edgar Allan PoeFirst 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:

SongArtistPoint of View
“Stan”EminemFirst person, narrated through letters from Stan to Eminem
“Yesterday”The BeatlesFirst person, expressing personal regret
“Bohemian Rhapsody”QueenFirst 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:

MovieDirectorPoint of View
“Fight Club”David FincherFirst person, narrated by the unnamed protagonist
“Forrest Gump”Robert ZemeckisFirst person, narrated by Forrest Gump
“The Shawshank Redemption”Frank DarabontFirst 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 CampaignBrandPoint of View
“Think Different”AppleFirst person, narrated by various iconic figures celebrating creativity
“Dumb Ways to Die”Metro Trains MelbourneThird person, presenting humorous safety tips
“The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”Old SpiceSecond 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.

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