MatthewHampton

“In some works, authors mingle points of view in order to imitate reality. For example, many first-person narrators use various types of the third-person point of view during much of their narration. Authors may also vary points of view to sustain interest, create suspense, or put the burden of response entirely upon readers.”

As I read this, it occurred to me that F. Scott Fitzgerald mingles his points of view in The Great Gatsby. He speaks from the first person in Nick Carraway, who is a subject in the story aside from the narrator (third person). When Carraway becomes involved in a conversation with the other characters, we see a second person point of view (albeit briefly).

I’m not certain I’ve ever written anything worthwhile in the second person, except a greeting card. I imagine it would be very hard to sustain that point of view for any length of time. Roberts points out (perhaps for that reason) second person isn’t used that often.

It was drummed into my head at an early age that I should always use the third person point of view when I write, so I tend to use a lot of “One does this” and “if one feels that way”. Not very adept, am I?

These blog entries can be humbling experiences, if one chooses to use them that way. This reminds me of a scene from the movie "This is Spinal Tap", a spoof of heavy metal bands. In this particular scene, the lead guitarist of Spinal Tap compares his ability to that of real-life guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, who is very good.

He whines and looks at his guitar and says in his fake-British accent, "Why bother? I may as well use it as a coffee table."