* Selection of details and events: The author chooses which events to include and emphasize, shaping the overall narrative and subtly conveying their perspective. For example, an author focusing heavily on the class disparities and the unequal treatment of passengers during the evacuation reveals a point of view concerned with social injustice. An author emphasizing the heroic actions of crew members might be highlighting human resilience and bravery. What gets left out is just as important as what's included.
* Character portrayal: The author's description and interpretation of individuals involved in the tragedy—passengers, crew, rescuers—reveals their biases and opinions. Are certain individuals portrayed as heroic, villainous, or simply victims? This choice shapes the reader's understanding and aligns with the author's perspective.
* Tone and language: The author's word choice, sentence structure, and overall tone (somber, indignant, awe-struck, etc.) strongly influence the reader's emotional response and understanding of the events. A formal, detached tone suggests objectivity, while a more emotional or opinionated tone points to a subjective perspective.
* Use of sources and evidence: How the author utilizes primary sources (survivor testimonies, ship logs, official inquiries) and secondary sources (historical analyses, biographies) demonstrates their approach to the subject. A meticulous and balanced presentation suggests a more objective point of view, whereas selective use of sources or biased interpretations could highlight a particular agenda.
* Analysis and interpretation: Narrative non-fiction goes beyond simply recounting facts. The author analyzes the events, drawing conclusions and offering interpretations. These interpretations, even if presented as objective, inevitably reflect the author's perspective, values, and understanding of history.
* Structure and organization: The narrative structure itself can convey the author's viewpoint. A chronological approach might suggest an objective recounting, while a thematic structure focusing on specific aspects (e.g., class divisions, heroism, technological failure) highlights the author's chosen focus and underlying perspective.
In short, while narrative non-fiction aims for accuracy, the author's point of view is always present and inevitably shapes the reader's experience. Recognizing the author's perspective – their biases, values, and chosen narrative framework – is crucial for critically evaluating and understanding the text.