Point of View

Point of view refers to the perspective from which a story is told. It determines the narrator’s relationship with the characters, events, and themes of the story. There are several types of point of view in literature, including first-person, second-person, and third-person, which can be further divided into limited or omniscient perspectives. Each point of view has its own advantages and disadvantages, and authors may choose a particular point of view based on the needs of their story.

Examples of point of view:

Stream of consciousness: This is a narrative technique that attempts to replicate the flow of a character’s thoughts and perceptions in real time. It is often used in first-person point of view to immerse the reader in the character’s mind. Examples include “Ulysses” by James Joyce and “Mrs. Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf.

Unreliable narrator: This is a narrative technique where the narrator’s credibility or knowledge is called into question. It can create suspense and intrigue for the reader, as they try to discern the truth from the narrator’s perspective. Examples include “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger and “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn.

Foreshadowing: This is a literary device where hints or clues are dropped about future events in the story. It can be used to create tension and anticipation for the reader, or to add layers of meaning to the story. Foreshadowing can be employed in any point of view, but is often used in third-person omniscient. Examples include “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare and “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Tone: This refers to the attitude or emotion conveyed by the narrator or characters in a story. It can influence how the reader interprets events and characters, and can be used to create irony or humor. Tone can be conveyed through any point of view, but is often associated with first-person or third-person limited. Examples include “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain.