Author’s Point of View

What is Author’s Point of View? When an author writes, he/she will have his/her point of view on the subject. Point of view is an author’s opinion about the subject.

Author’s Point of View The author will want you to see the topic from his/her point of view or through his/her eyes. In many instances, you will be able to tell if the author is FOR or AGAINST something. In other reading, the author’s point of view might not be obvious.

Who’s Telling the Story??? First-Person Point of View is when we see the story from one characters point of view. The word “I”, “my” and “me” are used. You only know what the narrator sees, thinks or feels. ex: She told me that the party was at 8pm and I went. Second-Person Point of View is when we see both points of view and know what other people are experiencing. The use of "you " and he and she is used. 2 nd person isn’t used much! ex: She told you that the party was at 8pm and she felt that you should go so you went. Third-Person Point of View is when a non-active person is telling the story and we see all points of view. ex: She was told that the party was at 8pm and felt she should go. A third-person narrator is an outside observer and an tell you how all the characters think or feel and what they see.

Author’s Perspective (Viewpoint) The writing reveals or shows the author’s attitudes, opinions, background, feelings or personal interest in a subject. Imagine watching a friend race at a swimming competition. After the race, you might say to her, “That was awesome! You looked so confident!” But your friend might respond, “I was so terrified!” My stomach was churning, and I almost missed the turn on the last lap!”…THEY BOTH HAVE DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW.

There Are Always Two Sides to the Story… Have you ever heard anyone say, “There are two sides to every story?” What do you think this means? It means that for every situation, there are different “points of view” depending on who you are and how you are looking at the situation. It also depends on your background, your beliefs and your experiences. Activity: Learn about Point of View while reading about the “The 3 Little Pigs”…

The Point of View shows the perspective of the story “That rotten wolf tried to eat us!!!!” “I was framed! I just wanted to borrow a cup of sugar!”

Now You Try It! You will now be divided into two groups and I will give you specific instructions. We will then read a passage out loud in class and have a class discussion.

The House - By Laurie Henry As I entered the front door, the marble floor glistened before me. The entryway opened to a grand staircase, which wound its way to the second level. My heels clicked across the cold, white floor as I proceeded to the living room on my left. A giant fireplace stretched across one end of the room. The impressive mantelpiece showcased a golden egg and porcelain figurines. A painting of sunflowers hung on the center of the wall. The white carpeting looked as if it had never been stepped on, and the entertainment center sprawled across the back wall. I turned around to face the dining room. A golden chandelier hung above a great mahogany table. A bank of French doors opened to a wrap-around deck at the back of the house. A lighted hutch contained crystal goblets and gold-edged dinnerware. Proceeding down the hallway, I discovered a custom kitchen on my left, opposite the far end of the dining room. The sleek counters were free of clutter. Cabinets hung on every inch of wall space. A breakfast nook looked out over the back garden. I soon retraced my steps to the entryway and ascended the stairs. A short hallway welcomed me to the second level of the house. To my left and at the front of the house was a small bedroom set up as a home office. The remainder of the upstairs consisted of a master bedroom suite. Two walk-in closets flanked the entrance to the master bedroom. No doubt, one closet was for him and the other one was for her. The matching bedroom furniture consisted of two dressers and night stands on either side of a four-poster bed. A wooden chest sat atop each dresser. A large bathroom sat off to the right side with double sinks inside. A whirlpool tub and shower stall lined the far wall. I slowly retreated and returned to the lower level and out the front door. I shall return to this exquisite abode!

Discussion : What were the different “perspectives” or points of view? How did each group’s “point of view” change the story? Can you think of another example of how two different “points of view” are different?