Perspective

Introduction

Perspective in literature refers to the point of view from which the story is told. This isn’t just about who is telling the story, but how they see and understand the world within the narrative. Perspectives can shift from the first person, second person, to third person, each offering a unique lens through which readers experience the story. It shapes everything from the reader’s emotional reaction to the depth of the narrative’s world. For example, a first-person perspective might immerse you deeply into the protagonist’s emotions and thoughts, while a third-person omniscient perspective can offer a broader, more detached overview of the events and the thoughts of multiple characters.

Pronunciation:
/ˈpɜːrspɛktɪv/

When do writers use Perspective literary device?

Writers employ the perspective literary device to control how information is presented to the reader and to shape the reader’s experience and emotional engagement with the text. By choosing a particular perspective, authors can focus the reader’s attention on specific characters or plot developments, filter the narrative through a particular character’s experiences and biases, or provide a more objective overview of the story. The use of perspective is crucial in creating suspense, developing characters, and constructing a relatable or compelling narrative. For example, a mystery novel might use a limited third-person perspective to conceal certain facts and maintain suspense, whereas a memoir might adopt a first-person perspective to provide a deep, personal connection to the reader.

How should I use Perspective literary device?

When using perspective as a literary device, consider the following guidelines to maximize its effectiveness in your writing:

1. Choose a Consistent Perspective: Decide early on whose perspective will best serve your narrative. Switching perspectives can offer depth and complexity but must be handled carefully to avoid confusing the reader.
2. Understand Your Characters: The chosen perspective should align with the character’s personality and role in the story. Ensure that the perspective realistically reflects their knowledge, experiences, and emotional responses.
3. Enhance Your Theme: Use perspective to reinforce the themes of your story. For example, a first-person perspective might be used to highlight themes of isolation or personal growth, while an omniscient perspective might better explore themes of fate or societal critique.
4. Control Information Flow: Use perspective to control how much information is revealed to the reader at any time. This can create suspense, surprise, or dramatic irony.
5. Maintain Reader Engagement: Keep your reader engaged by using perspective to create a strong, unique voice. This can make your narrative more distinctive and memorable.

Following these rules can help you effectively utilize perspective to enrich your narrative and connect more profoundly with your readers.

Types of Perspective

In literature, perspective is primarily categorized by the narrative point of view. Here are the main types:

1. First-Person Perspective: The story is narrated by one character at a time, speaking for and about themselves. This perspective uses ‘I’ or ‘we’ as the narrator gives a personal account of the events.
2. Second-Person Perspective: This unique perspective addresses the reader directly using ‘you’ and places them in the story. It’s less common but can be found in experimental texts and choose-your-own-adventure books.
3. Third-Person Limited Perspective: The narrator knows only the thoughts and feelings of a single character, through whom the story is viewed.
4. Third-Person Omniscient Perspective: The narrator has knowledge of all characters’ thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This all-knowing viewpoint can provide a comprehensive view of the narrative world.
5. Third-Person Objective Perspective: The narrator reports only what can be seen and heard, without access to the thoughts or feelings of any characters, presenting an unbiased point of view.

Each of these perspectives shapes the story in its own unique way, influencing the reader’s connection with the characters and understanding of the plot.

Perspective in Literature

Several works of literature are renowned for their innovative or impactful use of perspective. Here are some famous examples:

1. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: Narrated from the first-person perspective of Scout Finch, this novel gives a poignant view of race and justice in the American South through the eyes of a child.
2. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: This novel uses Nick Carraway’s first-person viewpoint to offer a unique perspective on the 1920s American high society and the enigmatic Gatsby.
3. “1984” by George Orwell: Though primarily in the third-person, the limited perspective allows readers to closely follow the protagonist Winston’s thoughts in a dystopian society.
4. “Mrs. Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf: Uses a form of third-person omniscient perspective that seamlessly transitions between the thoughts and experiences of multiple characters in a single day.
5. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak: Features Death as an omniscient narrator, providing a broad and philosophical view of the events surrounding WWII.

Perspective in Children’s Books

Children’s literature often uses perspective creatively to connect with young readers. Some famous examples include:

1. “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White: Though third-person, it often focuses closely on Wilbur’s perspective, providing emotional depth and connection for young readers.
2. “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss: Uses a first-person narrative from the perspective of one of the children, creating an intimate and engaging experience.
3. “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss: Another Dr. Seuss classic that employs a persistent first-person perspective to drive its rhymes and rhythms.
4. “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak: Told from the perspective of young Max, blending reality with imaginative fantasy, pivotal for the emotional development of the story.

Perspective in Poetry

In poetry, perspective can dramatically shape the meaning and impact of the poem. Some notable examples include:

1. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: This poem’s dramatic monologue allows readers intimate access to Prufrock’s anxieties and insecurities.
2. “Daddy” by Sylvia Plath: Uses a deeply personal first-person perspective to explore complex themes of identity and familial relationships.
3. “Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats: Through the personal perspective of the speaker, Keats delves into themes of transcience and the desire to escape.
4. “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas: Employs a personal and emotional perspective to discuss death and defiance.

Each of these examples demonstrates how perspective can be a powerful tool in poetry, enhancing the emotional and thematic expressions of the poet.

Perspective in Songs

Songs often utilize perspective to convey deep emotions and storytelling. Here are ten famous examples where perspective is a key element:

1. “Hotel California” by Eagles – Narrated from the perspective of a weary traveler who discovers a mysterious hotel.
2. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen – Uses multiple perspectives to narrate a complex story of regret and confession.
3. “Stan” by Eminem – Told from the perspectives of an obsessed fan and the artist himself, creating a narrative dialogue.
4. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton – Sung from the perspective of a woman pleading with Jolene not to take her man.
5. “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman – Told from the perspective of a woman hoping to escape her troubled life.
6. “The River” by Bruce Springsteen – Narrates a man’s life and struggles from his own perspective.
7. “Someone Like You” by Adele – Adele sings from a deeply personal perspective about encountering an old lover.
8. “Piano Man” by Billy Joel – Joel adopts the perspective of a piano player observing and describing the lives of bar patrons.
9. “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles – Combines the perspectives of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, detailing daily occurrences and broader existential thoughts.
10. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton – Clapton’s perspective as a grieving father, reflecting on the tragic loss of his son.

Perspective in Movies

Movies often employ unique narrative perspectives to enhance storytelling. Here are some notable examples:

1. “The Shawshank Redemption” – Red’s first-person narrative gives viewers insight into life within Shawshank Prison.
2. “Memento” – Uses a reversed chronological perspective to mimic the protagonist’s memory loss.
3. “Gone Girl” – Alternates perspectives between Nick and Amy, offering different takes on the same events.
4. “Fight Club” – The narrator’s perspective is crucial as it blends reality with his alter-ego, creating a twist.
5. “Forrest Gump” – Told from Forrest’s simple and innocent perspective, affecting how viewers perceive the historical events he encounters.
6. “The Grand Budapest Hotel” – Employs a story-within-a-story perspective, layering narratives from different characters.
7. “A Beautiful Mind” – Provides a perspective that aligns with the protagonist’s schizophrenia, influencing how the audience perceives reality.
8. “Vantage Point” – Shows the assassination of a president from multiple perspectives to reveal different aspects of the same event.
9. “Rashomon” – A classic example of multiple perspectives where different characters recount differing versions of the same incident.
10. “The Usual Suspects” – Uses a manipulative perspective from one of the characters, which twists the plot’s understanding.

Famous Movie Line Highlighting Perspective

“In my country, we go to prison first and then become President.” – Nelson Mandela, portrayed by Morgan Freeman in “Invictus”. This line offers a powerful reflection on the shift from being a political prisoner to a national leader, encapsulating a profound change in perspective both personally and in the eyes of the public.

YouTube Link Demonstrating Perspective

Watch a Clip from “The Shawshank Redemption”

This scene where Red describes his feelings about being institutionalized offers a deep insight into his personal perspective and the overall narrative tone.

Perspective in Advertising

Perspective is also a powerful tool in advertising, used to create relatable and compelling messages:

1. Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” Campaign – Shows the capabilities of the iPhone camera from the perspective of everyday users.
2. Dove’s “Real Beauty Sketches” Campaign – Highlights the difference between how women view themselves and how others see them.
3. Nike’s “Just Do It” Campaigns – Often uses the perspective of an athlete to inspire determination and resilience.
4. Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” Campaign – Personalizes the brand by swapping the iconic logo with common names, inviting consumers to see the product from a personal perspective.
5. Guinness’s “Wheelchair Basketball” Commercial – Ends with a twist that changes the viewer’s perspective on the athletes involved.

Perspective-Related Literary Devices

Several literary devices are closely related to perspective, helping to shape how a story is told:

1. Point of View – The perspective from which a story is narrated (first person, second person, third person).
2. Reliable/Unreliable Narrator – Whether the narrator’s perspective is trustworthy or biased, influencing how the audience interprets the story.
3. Stream of Consciousness – A narrative mode that attempts to capture the continuous, chaotic flow of thoughts in a character’s mind.
4. Focalization – Refers to the lens through which a narrative’s events are perceived, focusing on specific characters’ viewpoints.
5. Free Indirect Speech – Blends the narrator’s voice with the character’s thoughts and speech, providing a nuanced perspective.

These devices are essential in constructing and conveying different perspectives within literature, enhancing the depth and complexity of the narrative.