How are Sephy and Callum different? What type of lifestyle do you suspect Sephy has? What issues cause tension between Sephy and Callum? What suggestions of discrimination are made in this extract?
‘There is a lot of tension between the characters in this extract.’ Do you agree or disagree with this statement.
Studying Your Novel – Author’s Point of View
When you are studying your novel, you may or may not realise that the author is presenting a certain point of view. This is not to be confused with the narrator’s point of view, although they can sometimes be the same.
Authors can do this in a number of ways: l A character may provide a voice for the author. l The author may raise themes.
Finally some land!’
‘Yes!
l There may be a stark difference between the opening and resolution of the story.
When we read a novel, we can only make suggestions about the writer’s point of view on different issues, based on what we have read (unless, of course, we get to interview the author and ask them about their point of view!).
The following steps will help in examining any text. STEP ONE: What themes and issues are raised?
STEP TWO: Choose one of these issues and examine how the author presents it. • • •
When is the issue first raised? Does the issue influence the actions of the characters?
Is the author trying to shock or surprise you to make you really think about the issue?
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STEP THREE: Gather evidence from the story that indicates a particular stance or opinion. • What actions do the characters take to solve the issue? • What is the outcome – positive or negative? • Does the protagonist reflect on the issue at the end of the story?
