What is third person in poetry?

"Third person" in poetry, like in prose, refers to a narrative perspective where the story is told by a narrator who is outside the events and refers to characters using "he," "she," "it," and "they."

Here's a breakdown:

* Third person objective: The narrator only reports what can be observed, like an impartial camera, without any access to characters' thoughts or feelings.

* Third person limited: The narrator focuses on the thoughts and feelings of one character, often referred to as the "protagonist," while still maintaining an outside perspective.

* Third person omniscient: The narrator has complete knowledge of all characters' thoughts, feelings, and actions. This narrator can jump between perspectives and even comment on the story's events.

Here are some examples:

* Third Person Objective: "The man walked down the street. He wore a brown coat and carried a briefcase. A woman passed by, smiling."

* Third person limited: "She felt a pang of anxiety as he reached for her hand. He seemed so happy, but she wasn't sure she could trust him."

* Third person omniscient: "He didn't know she was watching him, her heart pounding in her chest. She had been waiting for this moment for months, ever since he'd left without a word."

Why is third person used in poetry?

* Distance and Objectivity: Third person can create a sense of detachment, allowing the poet to observe and comment on characters and events without getting too personally involved.

* Character Exploration: It allows for a deeper exploration of characters' inner lives, particularly in third person limited.

* Flexibility and Control: The narrator's perspective can be manipulated to create different effects, like suspense, irony, or humor.

Remember: The choice of perspective is a stylistic one, and the effectiveness of third person in poetry depends on how it is used to achieve the desired effect.