1. Point of View (POV): This refers to the perspective from which the story is told. There are several common types:
* First Person: The story is told from the "I" perspective, allowing the reader direct access to the narrator's thoughts and feelings.
* Second Person: The story is told using "you," directly addressing the reader, making them feel like a participant in the narrative.
* Third Person: The story is told from an outside observer's perspective, using "he," "she," or "they." There are further variations within this:
* Omniscient: The narrator knows everything about all the characters and events.
* Limited: The narrator focuses on the thoughts and feelings of one specific character.
2. Author's Perspective and Bias: This refers to the author's personal beliefs, experiences, and values that inevitably influence their writing. They may:
* Present a particular point of view: The author might favor a specific side of an argument or event, intentionally shaping the reader's understanding.
* Have a specific purpose: The author might write to persuade, inform, entertain, or inspire, impacting the overall tone and message of the work.
3. Authorial Intent: This refers to the author's underlying goals or intentions when writing.
* What does the author want the reader to understand? Do they want to teach a lesson, explore a theme, or provoke emotion?
* What message is the author trying to convey? This can be explicit or implicit, requiring the reader to interpret the text.
Examples:
* Point of View: A story told in first person might reveal a character's internal struggles, while a story in third person might offer a more objective, broader view of events.
* Author's Perspective: A historical novel written by a historian might have a different perspective on the past than one written by a novelist.
* Authorial Intent: A children's book might aim to entertain and teach young readers, while a political essay might aim to persuade readers of a specific viewpoint.
Understanding author's viewpoint allows readers to:
* Better understand the story: By recognizing the perspective from which the story is told, you can better grasp the characters' motivations and the events' significance.
* Identify potential biases: Recognizing the author's perspective helps you evaluate the information presented and identify potential biases that may influence the narrative.
* Engage with the text on a deeper level: Understanding the author's intent and perspective allows for a more nuanced and critical reading experience.