A View From All Angles
Another kind of checklist to make sure to run through while editing a paper was in the fourth chapter of Roberts' book. You get things like, "What prompts the speaker to tell the story in this point of view?" and "How does the speaker acquire the authority to explain things to the listener?" (87) These helpful questions are usually pretty easy to skim through and can definitely help a person rethink if the paper is done correctly or whether or not a story has the right point of view.
Aside from that, I found myself favoring the omniscient view point that allows the reader to see inside multiple speakers' heads. The style of knowing everything before it occurs helps paint a more accurate picture for the reader. However, this would not be useful when the author is intentionally trying to hide something from the reader or intending for the reader to make inferences about what is taking place in the story.
The chapter also discussed how there is always some bias in the speaker's interpretation of the events. I was aware of this before. However, when I'm reading a story it gets thrown out the window and forgotten about. This small reminder that every character has a different reason or favoritism towards one position or another allowed me to see the story, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce in a new way to include why the author chose the different view points for certain aspects of the work (that several people touched upon in their previous blog entries).
6 Comments
Leave a comment
Recent Comments
Dianna Griffin on A View From All Angles : It is frustrating when perspec
Melissa Schwenk on A View From All Angles : Jessica - Good example. If an
Josie Rush on A View From All Angles : Jessica, I heard that, too. Y
Jessica Orlowski on A View From All Angles : To add to what Josie said...
Josie Rush on A View From All Angles : I've read interviews with auth
I've read interviews with authors who sometimes rewrite their entire stories with a different perspective. Which, I mean, sounds like a pain, but it makes sense after reading this chapter.
To add to what Josie said...
Did you know that Stephenie Meyer is rewriting "Twilight" from Edward's point of view? Or at least she WAS until it was leaked all over the internet. Now, I know that there are many Twi-haters out there, but this new book is a good example of seeing the story in a new point of view.
Jessica, I heard that, too. You're right, that is a good example. A lot of authors will write part of the story from a different characters pov, just as an exercise, to try to accurately portray them and get inside their heads.
Jessica - Good example. If an author is trying to make more money and there happens to be a fan base for the same story from a different point of view, then the author should write it. Who knows, maybe even I'll be converted into like Twilight if the new spin on the book turns out well.
It is frustrating when perspectives are switched! When I read a book, especially a suspenseful one, I get so annoyed when the chapter ends and the perspective is switched to another person. I just want to know what happens next!
Haha, I know what you mean Diana. I always think, "But I was *done* yet! And I don't really care about this new person." I get really annoyed when I feel like it's just cheap suspense and not serving a purpose.