Understanding the Author's Point of View: Tips and Examples

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 6 min read

When reading a book, have you ever wondered what the author is trying to convey through their words? Understanding the author's point of view is a crucial skill that can enhance your appreciation of a literary work and help you delve deeper into the hidden meanings behind the text. In this blog, we will explore various types of point of view, learn how to identify them, and interpret their significance in literature. So, let's get started!

Defining Point of View

Point of view is the perspective from which a story is told. It shapes the way readers experience and interpret the events and characters in a narrative. There are three primary types of point of view: first person, second person, and third person.

First Person POV

First person point of view is when the narrator is a character within the story, usually the protagonist. They share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with the reader. This point of view is easily identified by the use of pronouns such as "I," "me," and "my" and provides a personal, intimate connection between the reader and the narrator.

Second Person POV

Second person point of view is less common and addresses the reader directly, using "you" as the main pronoun. This point of view involves the reader in the story, giving them the feeling of being a character within the narrative. It is often used in choose-your-own-adventure stories or interactive fiction.

Third Person POV

Third person point of view is when the narrator is not a character in the story and tells the tale from an outside perspective. This point of view can be further divided into two subcategories: limited and omniscient. In third person limited, the narrator focuses on the thoughts and feelings of a single character, while in third person omniscient, the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters. Pronouns such as "he," "she," and "they" are used in this point of view, providing a more objective and detached perspective on the story.

Now that we have a basic understanding of the different types of point of view, let's learn how to identify them in a piece of literature and interpret the author's intentions behind them.

Identifying the Author's POV

Recognizing the author's point of view is an essential step in analyzing a literary work. Here are some tips to help you identify the point of view and better understand the author's intentions.

Pay Attention to Pronouns

As mentioned earlier, pronouns can be a clear indicator of the point of view. Look for "I," "me," and "my" for first person; "you" for second person; and "he," "she," and "they" for third person. By identifying the pronouns, you can quickly determine the author's point of view and start analyzing its impact on the story.

Analyze Character Perspective

Consider whose thoughts and feelings are being shared with the reader. This can help you determine if the point of view is first person, third person limited, or third person omniscient. For example, if you only gain insight into one character's emotions, it's likely third person limited. If you can see the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters, it might be third person omniscient.

Examine Narrative Voice

Is the narrator's voice consistent throughout the story, or does it change? Sometimes authors switch the point of view between characters or chapters to provide different perspectives on the events. By examining the narrative voice, you can gain a better understanding of the author's intentions and how the point of view shapes the story.

Once you've identified the author's point of view, you can begin to interpret its significance and how it impacts the overall narrative.

Interpreting the Author's POV

After identifying the author's point of view, it's time to dig deeper and interpret its significance. Here are some aspects to consider when interpreting the author's point of view in a literary work.

Consider Tone and Style

The author's choice of point of view can greatly impact the tone and style of the story. For example, a first-person narrative may create a more personal and intimate tone, while a third-person omniscient point of view may feel more distant and all-knowing. Think about how the tone and style create a unique atmosphere and influence your understanding of the story.

Evaluate Bias and Objectivity

Each point of view comes with its own level of subjectivity. First-person narrators can be biased and unreliable, as they share their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. On the other hand, third-person narrators may be more objective, but they can still show bias by favoring certain characters or perspectives. Consider how the author's point of view might reveal or conceal biases and affect your interpretation of the story.

Analyze Imagery and Symbolism

The author's point of view can shape the way imagery and symbolism are presented in the story. For example, first-person narrators might use more vivid and personal imagery, while third-person narrators might focus on broader, more symbolic descriptions. Analyzing how the point of view influences the use of imagery and symbolism can help you uncover deeper meanings and themes within the story.

By interpreting the author's point of view, you'll gain a better understanding of how it impacts the story and contributes to the overall message of the work.

Applying POV to Literary Analysis

Understanding the author's point of view is essential for any literary analysis. It can help you uncover themes, motifs, and character development within the story. Here are some ways to apply the author's point of view to your analysis.

Explore Themes and Motifs

Consider how the author's point of view contributes to the development of themes and motifs in the story. For example, a first-person narrative might explore themes of personal identity and self-discovery, while a third-person omniscient perspective might delve into themes of fate and societal influence. Identifying the connection between the point of view and the themes of the story can enrich your analysis and understanding of the work.

Compare and Contrast POV's

Comparing and contrasting different points of view within a single work or across multiple works can provide valuable insights. For example, you might analyze how different narrators in a multi-perspective novel offer contrasting viewpoints on the same events, or how changing from a first-person to a third-person point of view affects the tone and style of a story. These comparisons can help you better understand the author's intentions and the overall impact of the chosen point of view.

Understand Character Development

The author's point of view plays a significant role in character development. A first-person narrative can offer deep insight into a character's thoughts and emotions, while a third-person perspective might focus more on the character's actions and relationships with others. By examining how the point of view shapes the portrayal of characters, you can gain a more nuanced understanding of their motivations, growth, and role within the story.

Applying the author's point of view to your literary analysis will help you uncover the unique aspects of the work and lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the story and its themes.

Studying Examples in Literature

Examining specific examples of point of view in literature can help you better understand how authors use this narrative technique to shape their stories. Here are three classic novels and their respective points of view:

To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is narrated in the first person by Scout Finch, a young girl living in a small Southern town. Through Scout's perspective, we see the world around her with childlike innocence and curiosity. This point of view allows the reader to experience the story's events and themes, such as racism and social injustice, through the eyes of a child who is still learning about the complexities of the world.

Catcher in the Rye

In J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, the story is told from the first-person perspective of the protagonist, Holden Caulfield. This point of view provides an intimate look into Holden's thoughts and feelings, giving the reader insight into his struggles with alienation, identity, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The use of a first-person point of view helps create a strong connection between the reader and Holden, making his experiences and emotions feel more real and relatable.

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is narrated in the first person by Nick Carraway, a character who is both an observer and a participant in the story. This point of view allows the reader to see the events and characters through Nick's eyes, giving us a more objective perspective on the glamorous yet tragic world of Jay Gatsby and his acquaintances. The author's choice to use Nick as the narrator also adds an element of mystery and intrigue, as we learn about Gatsby's life and secrets along with Nick.

By studying these examples of author's point of view in literature, you can gain a deeper understanding of how this narrative technique influences the story, its themes, and its characters. This knowledge will be invaluable as you continue to explore and analyze other literary works.

If you're looking to improve your understanding of perspective in art and design, don't miss the workshop titled 'A New Perspective on Perspective' by Roberto Bernal. This workshop will not only deepen your knowledge of perspective but also provide you with innovative techniques and approaches that can elevate your creative projects to new heights.