Discussion 1 - Analyzing Point of View
A point of view is considered as the narration of a given story from a given perspective of the first, second, and third person. The importance of point of view is determining from what perspective a reader will hear a given story. Through the point of view, the narrator gets to revel given information to the readers. A writer can control how the reader understands the story by describing well his or her point of view (Clugston, 2010, p.74). Unlike a short film, which has picture, a short story calls for imagination through different perspectives or viewpoints that are provided by the writer. It is of considerable importance that a writer provides a point of view enabling the readers to form out images in their mind. Consistency is also an extremely valuable attribute when it comes to writing a short story. The point of view in a story needs to be consistent in order to give a short story a general flow of events (Clugston, 2010, p.77).
For instance, in the short story “The Little Red Riding Hood," the writer gives his point of view from first, second, and third point of perspective. First, the writer starts the story from a thirds person perspective. The writer starts by giving the reader the general flow of the story by providing information about the main character in the story is. This helps the reader to identify himself with “The Little Red Riding Hood” and the wolf that are the main character in the story. After the writer has identified the characters, he moves on gives room for the reader to form the picture of what is happening by introducing the first person’s perspective (Clugston, 2010, p.82). This gives room for the character to develop in the mind of the readers. However, the writer does not break the chronological flow of the event continuity that is maintained by shifting the perspective between the first and third person’s perspective. Hence, consistency of the point of view is maintained.
Discussion 2 - Symbolism in the Short Story
In discussion 2 of themes and symbols, one is going to use the story, "The Little Red Riding Hood", to explain the roles. In literature, while the plot of a story may tell one what is talking place in the story, a theme is more directed explaining what the story is about. While a plot of the story can only be one which runs from introduction to conclusion, themes can be as many as possible (Clugston, 2010, p.86). Themes run deep to explain the hidden meaning behind the story that the writer wants to pass across. A symbol in a story is the paradox behind it that the reader uses to derive the theme of the story. In order for a story to have a theme behind, it is necessary to understand the symbols in the story.
For instance, in the short story, “The Little Red Riding Hood”, the theme behind the whole story lies behind the little girl’s innocence and the wolf is taking advantage of that. The girl in the story is used as a symbol because children are always identified with innocence, which the little girl has (Clugston, 2010, p.126). By identifying the symbols in the story (the girl), one can conclude that the theme behind the story meant for children. It does not refer to strangers since one might not know the motive behind them.
Reference
Clugston, R. W. (2010). Journey into literature. San Diego, California: Bridgepoint Education, Inc
