Reading Response Blog #6

10/19/2014

In every story we read, there is always a narrator. The narrator tells us the story. Depending on who the narrator is, that influences how we come to understand the story.

This Week's Prompt:

Tell who the narrator is in the story you are reading or have recently read. How does the narrator's point of view influence the way events in your story are told?

Helpful Guide
First person points of view:

The narrator may be one character.
The narrator may change throughout the story, where multiple characters have their own chapters.

Third person points of view:

The narrator may be "omniscient," meaning the narrator can see everything that's happening.
The narrator may be "limited-omniscient," meaning the narrator focuses on what happens to one character.
Sometimes stories are told in the "limited-omniscient" view but multiple characters have their own chapters in that point of view.

Happy responding!

50 Comments

Marc

10/19/2014 02:01:43 pm

Dear class,
In alliegient the narrator switches from Tris to Tobias. This changes the story a lot because you learn more about the characters. Also it switches the story because one character will say one thing but then the other character will say the opposite. For example Tobias once said that another character was really mean, but Tris said that he was nice.
In this way changing the characters point of view will change the story.

From,
Marc

Amy

10/20/2014 01:30:15 pm

Dear Marc,
I like when you used an example to explain how one character would say something than a different character would say something else. Do you think people do that? Do you do that? (I do!)

From,
Amy

Ms. Kimball

10/20/2014 02:30:48 pm

Dear Amy,

I find that I have different views that other people I meet. Have you ever felt someone was a jerk that everyone else seemed to think was super cool and friendly? Or the other way around? I am always intrigued at what causes us to have different views of the same thing.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Marc

10/26/2014 12:36:27 pm

Dear Amy,
I think so many people do that, I fact I think that is the main reason why there is confusion in the world.

From,
Marc

Ms. Kimball

10/20/2014 02:28:30 pm

Dear Marc,

I agree that changing the point of view changes the story. You mentioned Tobias and Tris had different views of a character --one thought the character was mean, the other thought the character was nice. Could you explain more? I'm so curious!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Alec

10/21/2014 05:55:32 am

Why do you think that the the author made the narrators switch from one character from another character?

Alec

rheona mehta

10/23/2014 01:54:57 pm

Dear mark,ms.kimball,amy, and alec,
I think that they do that because I think that they are both very important characters in the story with a completely different take on the story.
rheona

Kathleen

10/28/2014 08:30:09 am

Dear Marc,
I liked how you used those words and told us how the story goes and I can picture it in my head.

Julia

10/20/2014 11:13:37 am

Dear Class,

I am reading Four. It is the fourth book in the Divergent series. This book is very interesting because it is told from a different characters perspective than the other books. Also, it starts at an earlier place in time than Divergent (the first book). This has a strong influence on the story because you get to learn more about the character, in this case, Tobias, whose background story was more hidden in the other books. Also, since it goes back in time, if you read a reference to something that was explained in the other books, you have more information than the characters in the story.

Sincerely,
Julia

Ms. Kimball

10/20/2014 02:36:49 pm

Dear Julia,

Great job explaining the point of view and time setting of book four in the Divergent series. Sounds like one of the coolest parts of the story is the point of view it's told from. Isn't it cool how making changes in the point of view can really add excitement and intrigue to a story? I was curious, is "Four" a prequel to the Divergent book?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Danny

10/20/2014 11:36:45 am

Danny 10/20/14

The Mysterious Benedict Society
by Trenton Lee Stewart

Written in the first person viewpoint:

Raynie is the main character and the story teller in The Mysterious Benedict Society. His point of view likely comes from being an orphan, but he never mentions it. He seems more influenced by Mrs. Permal, who tutors him, teaches him everything he knows, and acts like a mother to him.

Because he is an orphan, he can go on dangerous missions, and not worry about the villains kidnapping his family. He is free. He does, however, sometimes worry that harm may come to Mrs. Permal.

He's smart and learned a lot from Mrs. Permal, so that enables him to complete "the tests". One of the tests had a sign that said, "You can only go on the blue rectangles, not the white ones." He was able to figure out that the rectangles were square and solved the riddle.

The narrator,Raynie was clever enough and free enough to complete the tests.

Ms. Kimball

10/20/2014 02:43:12 pm

Dear Danny,

It sounds like Raynie must tell the story in an interesting way since he is so clever. I'm curious if the fact that Raynie cares so much for Mrs. Permal makes you care about her too. I also wonder: since Raynie is so smart, does that influence how he relates the events in the story to you? I've noticed that I feel smarter when I'm reading a story told from the point of view of a clever main character. He solves all the mysteries, and I feel like I did right along with him!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Alec

10/20/2014 12:39:14 pm

Dear class,
In The Battle of the Labyrinth, the narrator is the main character. This is important because you see how the main character feels a lot easier. If the main character is the narrator, you can tell his personality by seeing how he/she tells the story. His point of view influences the events by saying if he/she likes that, or he/she doesn't like that. He sees the event in a different point of view than anybody else.
From,
Alec

Ms. Kimball

10/20/2014 02:46:27 pm

Dear Alec,

I agree that you can feel how the main character feels more easily from a first person point of view. Even though I already know, who is the main character in The Battle of the Labyrinth? Can you share an example of when he expressed that he liked or disliked something? How did you feel about that?

(It reminds me of Rachel and the red sweater we read about in "Eleven". I hated that red sweater just as much as she did because of how she reacted to it.)

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sam

10/21/2014 12:13:04 pm

Dear class,
I am reading Divergent. The main character Tris is the narrator. The story never goes out of her perspective, witch some people might find boring. But the story is filled with action and adventure so your always hooked in. I will comment though the first person point of view makes it hard for you to learn about other characters.
I suggest this book to strong readers looking for a new series.

Can't wait to read more!!!
Sincerely,
Sam

Julia

10/22/2014 09:01:52 am

Dear Sam,

I agree with what you wrote about Divergent! I liked how you added that the first person point of view makes it hard to learn about other characters.

Yours Truly,
Julia

Ms. Kimball

10/22/2014 12:11:07 pm

Dear Sam,

I agree with Julia that you made a good point there. I guess first person point of view has a little mystery to it. You always wonder what other characters are thinking. On the other hand, really good authors have a technique of writing dialogue and actions that reveal character traits --like Mrs. Price form "Eleven"!

I'm glad you're enjoying the book!
Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sage P

10/23/2014 12:29:09 pm

Dear Sam,
I liked how you based your response on us and not just your book. Like when you said it might find boring or this point of view makes it harder for YOU to learn about other characters.
From,
Sage Pollack

Sage W.

10/24/2014 12:55:50 am

Dear Sam,
You said it's harder to lear about other characters since the story never goes out of her perspective. I'm wondering if you like that more because you have to infer a lot,kind of like a mystery.Or if you like it less because you want to know about all of the characters not just Tris.

Amy

10/22/2014 11:12:39 am

Dear class,
In Out of my mind Melody is the narrator. She is also the main character which is helpful most of the time. She stays in her point of view by not saying another character's thoughts. If she did it probely wouldn't be published. Also by being the main character melody describes her inner thoughts. I think Sharon M. Draper described her characters really well.

from,
Amy

Ms. Kimball

10/22/2014 12:13:03 pm

Dear Amy,

What an amazing book you're reading! I thought "Out of My Mind" has an especially interesting point of view because the main character can't speak! I was intrigued to be inside of Melody's head and feel her struggle to communicate. What do you think?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Amy

10/24/2014 12:16:06 pm

Dear ms.kimball,
I think the same thing it is interesting how the narrator can't speak!.
From
amy

Mikey

10/22/2014 11:30:19 am

Dear Class,
I am reading Wonder by R. J. Polacio. In this book the narrator changes from all different character's point of view. It completely changes some of the things that happen in the book. For example, if Jack punches Julian, and it is in Julian's perspective, than you would probably feel bad for Julian. but if it is in Jack's perspective, than you will realize why Jack punched Julian and you will feel like it was the right thing to do. That is one of the many reasons I love the book Wonder.
Sincerely,
Mikey

Ms. Kimball

10/22/2014 12:16:03 pm

Dear Mikey,

You make such a great point regarding how point of view can influence your empathy for certain characters. When you read events from one character's point of view, you don't know the full story. I remember when I was so made a Jack bad-mouthing August on Halloween behind his back. Then, when I read the chapters written from his perspective, I felt bad for him and didn't think he was such a jerk after all. It's so cool how a story can do that to you just from changing the point of view.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Danny

10/26/2014 10:56:40 am

Dear Mickey I never read Wonder. Why would somebody punch someone? And who is jack or julian.

Julia

10/29/2014 05:46:57 am

Dear Mikey,

I loved the book Wonder. You made a good point when you talked about Julian and Jack. I liked that R. J. Polacio told parts of the story from different characters point of view.

Sincerely,
Julia

Kathleen

10/23/2014 08:58:05 am

Dear Class,
The book I am reading is The Miraculous Journey of Forward Tulane.
The character I am going to be talking about is Tulane. He is a stuffed animal bunny and there is also a girl named Abilene. Abilene loves Tulane and she always gets him organized and when she goes to sleep she makes a bed right next to her.
After Abilene goes to sleep she wakes up in the morning. Then she puts Tulane in a chair in front of the window. When she was done with that she heads out for school. I will tell you guys more when I keep reading the book.

Ms. Kimball

10/23/2014 02:41:01 pm

Dear Kathleen,

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is such a great book. Did you know it's by the same author as Tiger Rising? Kate DiCamillo. I love her stories. It must be interesting reading from the point of view of a stuffed animal!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Forrest

10/23/2014 09:32:02 am

Dear Ms.Kimball,

I am reading Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. The story is told in the first person. The main character Billy is the narrator. There is really only one main character in the story so it makes sense to have Billy tell the story. There is a lot of adventure that he has and when he is telling the story you really feel what he feels. There is a part when he is in a cave sleeping over night in the woods and he hears a mountain lion. In that moment even though Billy was brave you could still feel the fear in the way he was describing what happened. I couldn't imagine anyone else narrating this story.

Your student,

Forrest

Ms. Kimball

10/23/2014 02:44:25 pm

Dear Forrest,

I've never read Where the Red Fern Grows, but I heard it is a classic. I love stories where the main character has adventures, but still feels fear. Otherwise, it wouldn't seem realistic! We all have fears. Sometimes reading stories like this makes me build my own courage, even if I've never experienced anything like it myself. That's the beauty of reading!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sammy

10/26/2014 11:42:05 am

Dear Forrest,
That sound's like a very interesting book. Two things I would like to know before I add that book to my ,to read list, is what is one of billy's trait's? and what is the story line? Can't wait to read it.

Sincerely
Sam

rheona mehta

10/23/2014 01:59:16 pm

Hi class,
I am reading the book OUT OF MIND by Draper.
The narrator is Melody, melody is a girl that can't walk, talk or take care of herself. It makes it more interesting when the person the book is about is narrater is "writing" the story because you can understand their thoughts better.

Ms. Kimball

10/23/2014 02:48:05 pm

Dear Rheona,

Isn't it amazing how the author of "Out of My Mind" pulls you into the point of view of someone who can't walk, talk, or take care of herself? After reading this story, I gained a whole new understanding of people with disabilities. You never know what they are truly capable of unless you give them the time and opportunity to show you. Patience and empathy!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sage W

10/24/2014 12:50:36 am

Dear Rheona,
Does the fact that Melody can't talk change the story?Or does the author use many inner thoughts, so you stay involved with the story.

kaela

10/24/2014 01:01:53 am

I love out of my mind to! im probably gonna write about it and I love it. isn't her disability so sad. you did a great job see yah.

Olivia D.

10/24/2014 02:31:17 pm

Dear Rheona,

I read Out of my mind as well and really enjoyed reading from her prospective.After reading from her point of view I knew more about what it would be like to have a disability.

Mikey

10/26/2014 02:29:28 pm

Dear Rheona,
I liked how you described how Melody has trouble taking care of herself. Can you tell me some examples of how that makes the book more interesting?
Sincerely,
Mikey

Nathan

10/24/2014 12:34:03 am

Hello class :)
I am going to use schooled as a example. Capricorn Anderson has a very interesting view, he doesn't know much and always says funny things. It is also funny when he insults us like using these lines: "cultural poison" and "when we lock things away, we imprison ourselves,". We usually think that's funny and make a joke out of it, but what if its true?!? |:T Another point of view is Zach Powers. This is a character who you are not meant to like, he is a bully and if the character is not meant to be liked, the author did a good job.

Sofia

10/25/2014 01:04:26 am

Dear Nathan,

I think you did a great job explaining the perspectives. Do you think that Cap's point of view is true, or just nonsense?

Sofia

Nathan

10/29/2014 05:46:25 am

Well...
I think caps view is true, but in a a way we don't understand.
Like I mentioned, cap thinks culture is just poison. It is actually true. It proves a point that with culture, we are just making another excuse to be apart from eachother

Sage W.

10/24/2014 12:47:46 am

Dear Class,

In Hope Was Here, Hope is narrator.That influences the story because you know what she's thinking but you have to guess what others are thinking.And that changes how you look at the story because you have to infer more than the books that change narrator.

kaela

10/24/2014 12:59:39 am

i like out of my mind. Mellody is amazing and caring and dons'nt know how to say stuf so its all bottled up inside. Its so difficult and sometimes she gets frustrated trying to get people to understand her. I think that se is very caring.
sincerely Kaela

Layla

10/24/2014 10:38:07 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,
I read The Running Dream, which has the main character, Jessica. The book is in Jessica's point of view. I like that perspective because you can know how a character is feeling.
From, Layla

Arim link

10/24/2014 12:38:44 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,

In the 1st chapter of the Alex Rider series the narrater always talks about the enemies first and then in the 2nd chapter they start with Alex. I like that he does that because you you can start inferring who the enemy is in the beginning of the story, or like in snakehead the narrater talks about a old enemy who comes back. Oh I almost forgot, there is no narrater in the Alex Rider series so if you want me to write about one with a narrater just tell me at school or in the response.

From your student Arim

Olivia D.

10/24/2014 02:27:34 pm

Dear Ms. Kimball,

I am going to use the book "The running dream" by Wendelin van Draanen. The narrator is the main character, Jessica. I like how you can really get into Jessica's head and feel the emotions she is feeling. The book really makes you experience all the struggles she is suffering through every day. I never thought I could imagine what it would be like to lose a limb but after reading this book I can relate more to how they would be feeling.

Sincerely,
Olivia D.

Forrest

10/26/2014 01:45:19 pm

Dear Olivia D,

The Running Dream sounds so interesting. I love when the main character is the narrator because you really get to know how they really are. Jessica sounds like she has some pretty strong emotions. How does she show her emotions? I cant wait to hear more!

Your class mate,

Forrest

Sofia

10/25/2014 01:01:36 am

Dear Ms.Kimball,

The story I am reading is "Everything For A Dog". This story is told in three perspectives (so far) and those three perspectives are Charlie, Henry, and Bone. They all don't know each other, and I think it's interesting to see the different situations in the story. One, a dog, bone, who was separated from his sister and is learning to live with humans. Two, Charlie, who has also had his family separated after the death of his brother, RJ. And three, Henry, who only had one friend, Matthew, who moved away. Both Charlie and Henry would like a dog.

Sofia

yubin

10/25/2014 04:54:33 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,
The story I am reading is "The Happy Prince" by Oscar Wilde. I think the narrator in this story is the third person, and he or she is "omniscient". Because the narrator knows all the story and explains something that happened before the main characters (The happy prince and swallow) met to the readers. In addition, the narrator can see everything that is happening, even something happening to the swallow's companions in Egypt!
Sincerely,
Yubin

Rheona

10/29/2014 01:05:44 pm

Dear yubin,
WOW! That was a great reasponce! The only question I have is what does "omniscient" mean?

sincerely,
Rheona

Sage P

10/30/2014 01:39:07 am

Dear Class,
I just started reading the book Lucky T by Kate Brian. The narrator of this story is told by the author of the story. I think that changes the story by you know how both characters are thinking not just one of the characters. Also it changes the story by knowing how both characters look at one setting in two or three different ways.
From,
Sage Pollack

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