Roller Blade: Chapter 1, Virginia Forgives Phil

Question

A. Gautam

Although twelve years had passed since Phil’s accident, Virginia hadn’t forgiven him for changing her life forever. She loved him dearly and couldn’t imagine a life without him, but she could no longer be a flight attendant or travel at a moment’s notice. Phil was self-sufficient, but he was prone to seizures, and only Virginia knew how to best care for him.

At their daughter’s 12th birthday party at a roller blade arcade, Virginia wanted to forget about life and glide on the smooth floor. She smiled at Phil, resting on the chairs by the shoe rack, and her daughter roller blading with her friends. For fifteen minutes, Virginia was young again. She hadn’t forgotten the feel of the wheels. She could feel the air brushing her face and hair. She stretched her hands in the air and moved in smooth motions. When she remembered to check on Phil, she saw his glowing face. He seemed so proud of her for having even some minutes to herself. She saw him clap and cheer.

Virginia hadn’t considered that Phil felt guilty for restricting her life. The former pilot and now a computer programmer, Phil hadn’t once complained about how his own life changed. Betraying her wishes, hot tears stung her eyes. She wiped them quickly and stole a glance at her giggling daughter.
Question
What is the effect of the point of view in the story?
Responses
A The reader sees the events from different characters’ perspective. The reader sees the events from different characters’ perspective.
B The omniscient point of view shows each character’s deep thoughts. The omniscient point of view shows each character’s deep thoughts.
C The limited point of view only shows what the father is feeling. The limited point of view only shows what the father is feeling.
D The point of view doesn’t change and focuses on the daughter. The point of view doesn’t change and focuses on the daughter.

Answer 1

The most accurate response regarding the effect of the point of view in the story is:

B The omniscient point of view shows each character’s deep thoughts.

This is because the narrative provides insights into Virginia's feelings of resentment and love towards Phil, as well as her desire for freedom, while also hinting at Phil's own feelings of guilt for the changes in their lives. The perspective allows the reader to understand the emotional complexity of both characters.