Question

Think about your favorite story. What point of view is it in? How would the story be better or worse if it were written in a different point of view?

Answer 1

Let's consider the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson. It's told from a third-person limited point of view, primarily following the perspective of an observer in a small town during an annual ritual.

If "The Lottery" were written in a first-person perspective from the viewpoint of a participant in the lottery, it might intensify the personal horror experienced by the character, offering a more direct and emotional connection with the disturbing events. However, this change could potentially limit the story's broader exploration of societal conformity and blind tradition.

On the other hand, adopting a third-person omniscient perspective could provide insights into the thoughts and feelings of various characters during the lottery, potentially diluting the shock and impact of the revelation.

The choice of the third-person limited perspective in "The Lottery" contributes to the story's chilling effect by balancing the personal experience of one character with the ominous and detached tone needed to deliver its powerful commentary on conformity and the dark side of human nature.

Step-by-step explanation:

^^

Answer 2

The point of view in a story, be it first-person, third-person limited, or third-person omniscient, shapes how the narrative is experienced by the reader. Changing the point of view can either offer deeper insights or distance the reader, depending on how it's used and the story's intention.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Point of View in Storytelling

The point of view in a story significantly affects how readers perceive events. First-person narration allows readers to get close to the protagonist's inner thoughts and feelings. For example, using "I" gives a sense of intimacy and immediacy to the narrative but may be limited in scope. On the other hand, third-person limited point of view centers around one character's experience, while the third-person omniscient point of view offers a more panoramic view of all characters' thoughts and actions.

When writing a story, authors often begin with the first person, especially in personal narratives. If we consider switching to a third-person point of view, whether limited or omniscient, the story's focus and depth would change. Limited third person maintains a degree of intimacy but provides a bit more objectivity, while omniscient third person allows for a broader understanding of the plot and characters, yet can sometimes distance the reader from the protagonist's personal experience.

Different points of view can offer varying insights into the story's events and characters. Reflecting on your favorite story, changing its point of view could either enhance or detract from the story, depending on the narrative's goals and the nature of the plot. When revising a narrative, experimenting with different points of view can lead to new discoveries about the characters and plot, similarly to narratives like Netflix's "Dear White People Volume 1" or "Arrested Development Season 4", where events are revisited through different characters' perspectives.