The narrator's perspective significantly influences the way the story is told in that the first-person narrator describes events from their own perspective, so readers know their inner thoughts about the exhibits. This approach allows readers to closely connect with Emma's experiences and feelings as she navigates the Columbian Exposition. Her awe and excitement are conveyed through her personal reflections, making the historical event more relatable and engaging. Unlike a third-person perspective, which might provide a broader overview, the first-person narration offers an intimate look into Emma’s thoughts and observations, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative.
This passage tells the story of Emma, a young girl who attends a real historical event called the Columbian Exposition of 1893. Emma uses diary entries to describe the exposition, which is a large-scale international fair.
As you read, pay attention to how the narrator influences the way the story is told.
Sunday, June 18
Today began our adventure at the Columbian Exposition, the largest world’s fair in history! After paying 50 cents to enter, we made our way to the Court of Honor. Water in the Grand Basin and nearby lagoon reflects all the surrounding exhibition buildings. My neck hurt from looking up at all the domes, towers, columns, and statues decorating those enormous Great Buildings! We understand now why the fair is known as the “White City” — nearly everything is painted sparkling white.
Father said there are exhibits from more than 50 countries and 48 U.S. states and territories, demonstrating man’s progress until the year 1893. Since we couldn’t possibly see all the exhibits, even in seven days, Mother has organized a daily schedule.
First we visited the building of our home state, Minnesota, to admire Hiawatha’s statue, sponsored by Minnesota schoolchildren’s pennies. Mother signed the visitors’ register and checked for any acquaintances also here this week. Lunch at the New England Clam Bake arrived promptly, despite the huge crowds. Father suggested escaping the afternoon heat in the buildings of some eastern states. Pennsylvania had a display of the table on which the Declaration of Independence was signed, with its inkwell. Virginia had the couch on which Civil War generals Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee negotiated the surrender at Appomattox Court House.
Father insisted on staying late, footsore and dusty as we were. He bought tickets for an evening ride on the elevated railway circling the grounds. At dusk, electric lights came on everywhere — inside fountains, along rooflines, beside walkways. Thousands of lights twinkled all around. I asked Father about a giant lighted circle. He said it was George Ferris’s “unfinished wheel.” It is still under construction, even though the rest of the exposition opened six weeks ago. That was my only disappointment of the day.
Monday, June 19
Father decreed that we spend all day in the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building, by far the biggest of the Great Buildings. It is filled with exhibits on furniture, china, musical instruments, and other factory-made items. Some countries sent native raw materials, such as exotic woods and precious stones. Restaurants and cafés line the building’s seemingly endless Upper Gallery. Father voted for lunch at an American restaurant, but Mother persuaded him to try dinner at the elegant French café, where the Vanderbilts’ former chef is in charge.
At dusk we watched the lights come on again like thousands of candles lit all at once. Father arranged a trip in a swan-shaped gondola on the exposition’s waterways. The lights’ reflections were magical—like being surrounded by floating fireflies. We are here for five more days! What will tomorrow hold?
How does the narrator’s perspective on the Columbian Exposition impact the story?
The third-person omniscient narrator describes all characters’ thoughts and feelings about the Columbian Exposition’s exhibits.
The first-person narrator describes events from their own perspective, so readers know their inner thoughts about the exhibits.
The first-person narrator has an objective view of events, so the description of the Columbian Exposition and its exhibits is unbiased.
The third-person limited narrator focuses on Mother, so readers get a detailed description of her daily schedule.
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