Lecture Notes: Point of View and Analyzing Characters

Objectives

• Understand how to determine an author's point of view or purpose.
• Explain how an author's perspective is conveyed through their work.
• Analyze how authors develop and contrast points of view among different characters or narrators.

Key Concepts

Determining Author's Point of View

• Definition: Author's perspective on the story's events.
• Indicators:
  • Word choice
  • Tone
  • Author's thoughts

Grades 6 and 7 Standards

• 6.6: Determine author's point of view/purpose.
• 7.6: Analyze and contrast points of view of different characters/narrators.
• Contrast Requirement: Show differences in characters/narrators' points of view.

Example Analysis: "Homecoming" by HP Phillips

Story Overview

• Characters: Kate, Oscar, and Liz
• Situation: Kate has her heart set on a concert but helps family instead.

Analyzing Characters' Points of View

Character 1: Leah

• Feeling: Believes Kate probably hates her for missing the concert.
• Evidence: "Kate probably hates us right now," suggests Leah's concern about Kate's feelings.

Character 2: Oscar

• Feeling: Optimistic and believes Kate will forgive them soon.
• Evidence: "I have a feeling she will have no trouble forgiving us about one hour from now."

Character 3: Kate

• Initial Feeling: Acts as if she is okay missing the concert for family.
  • External: "No problem," "Family always comes first."
  • Internal: Feels disappointed and desperate to attend the concert.
  • Evidence: "She thought desperately..."

Change in Points of View

Kate's Shift

• Beginning: Disappointed, wants to attend the concert.
• Events: Surprised by her mother's arrival at the airport.
• End: Overjoyed and grateful.

Oscar's Shift

• Beginning: Aware of Kate's disappointment but confident of resolution.
• Events: Plans a surprise for Kate.
• End: Excited and satisfied with the successful surprise.

Key Takeaways

• Characters' points of view can change due to events in the story.
• Emotional shifts are often accompanied by specific textual evidence, such as expressions of surprise or joy.

Conclusion

• Understanding points of view helps in comprehending character motivations and story dynamics.
• Look for textual evidence and character shifts to analyze points of view effectively.