Final answer:
The first-person point of view in Mark Twain's 'Life on the Mississippi' reveals characteristics of the narrator through his depiction of Mr. Bixby, highlighting elements of bias and characterization.
Step-by-step explanation:
When analyzing the narrative voice in Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain, we observe the first-person point of view, which provides insights into the narrator's character. The narrator describes himself as a junior steersman and expresses his feelings, like embarrassment, which adds depth to his character. Additionally, characterization is highlighted through his portrayal of Mr. Bixby, which not only informs the reader about Mr. Bixby's demeanor but also reflects the narrator's perspective and potential biases. It is essential to consider the reliability of the narrator, as his view may not be entirely accurate or unbiased. This approach to narration allows an author to develop characters through indirect methods, often revealing more about the narrator than the characters themselves.