What is meant by the term point of view?

The term "point of view" refers to the perspective from which a narrative is told. It dictates how the reader experiences the story, influencing their understanding and emotional connection to the characters and events. Different points of view can significantly alter the interpretation of the story; for instance, a first-person perspective allows readers to see the thoughts and feelings of a character directly, while third-person can provide a broader view of all characters and events within the narrative.

In literature, understanding the point of view is critical because it shapes the reader’s perception of the plot and the motivations of characters. It also determines the level of intimacy the reader has with a character’s internal thoughts versus the observations of an outside narrator. By identifying and analyzing the point of view, readers can gain insights into the underlying themes and messages that the author wishes to convey. This makes the correct choice especially relevant to the study of storytelling and narrative structure.