Lesson 30 — Activity 3:

Thinking More about Point of View and Theme of the Story


Point of View:

Have you already been able to determine the point of view used by the author in your novel?

Not to worry if you haven’t, the table below will guide you through a process that will let you solve this “mystery.” If you think you have already determined the point of view, work through the process in the table below to be sure that you are correct.

Point of View Questions to Ask  Things to Consider  Other Notes
First Person






-Is the person who is telling the story in the story?






- refers to self using pronoun “I"

- reveals own thoughts and feelings



 
- usually the protagonist, but may be a minor character

- use of “I” can make the reader feel involved in the story
Third Person Panoramic




- Is the narrator simply reporting what is seen and heard?

- Does the reader have to determine how the character is feeling or what he is thinking? 		- author has not directly stated any thoughts or feelings


- it is as if you are watching a play or movie
- also known as objective



Third Person Limited




 - Is the story being told about someone else?

- Are the thoughts and feelings of only ONE character being revealed? 		- author uses pronouns such as he/she


- author directly states how one of the characters feels or what he or she is thinking/feeling 		- also know as limited omniscient



Third Person Omniscent




- Is the story being told about others?

- Are the thoughts and feelings of MORE THAN ONE of the characters being revealed? 		- author uses pronouns such as he/she

- author directly states how more than one of the characters feels or what they are  thinking/feeling 		- also known as omniscient





To recap, if it is:

  • First Person: you may feel that you are actually in the story every time you read the pronoun “I”
  • Third Person Panoramic: you may feel that you are watching a play or a movie
  • Third Person Limited: the author has told you for sure what one of the characters is thinking and feeling
  • Third Person Omniscent: the author has told you for sure what more than one of the characters is thinking and feeling


Theme:

Earlier, you learned about theme and how it is the underlying reason behind an author's purpose when writing a novel.

Here once again are the list of words from that page to help you to determine the theme for your novel.

Are there any that apply to your novel? If not, think of a term that does apply. Take some time to consider what the author is saying about life and/or humanity.


ambition
beauty
betrayal
courage 		duty
fear
freedom
happiness

jealousy
loneliness
love
loyalty
 
perseverance
prejudice
suffering





Reading Journal



Journal Entry #12

If you had to pick a song whose lyrics connect with the novel's theme, character(s), and/or conflict, what would it be? Tell the name of the song and why it would make a good theme song for the novel.

You've completed a lot of work on the elements in stories. If you'd like to play another "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" game, this time on Literary Elements, click here.