Final answer:
The point of view in Jason Reynolds's "Eraser Tattoo" helps to highlight the theme of the harmful effects of gentrification by offering a personal or community-wide perspective connecting readers to the characters' experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jason Reynolds's "Eraser Tattoo" uses point of view as a powerful tool to convey the theme of the harmful effects of gentrification. The narrative perspective influences how the story is interpreted and connected with by the reader. By choosing a particular point of view, whether it be first person, third person limited, or omniscient, Reynolds is able to control the narrative in a way that underscores his thematic message. In a first-person narrative, the reader gains intimate insight into the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist, which can make the experience of gentrification more personal and impactful.
Alternatively, a third-person limited point of view can allow the reader to understand the inner workings of a particular character while also observing the effects of gentrification on the greater community. The choice of point of view thus becomes a key factor in the development of characters and themes, emphasizing the writer's intent to meet or challenge conventional expectations in a rhetorically effective way.