What does the point of view of this story help the reader understand?

Question

Coach Bardin's opinion about the tryout

Damien's relationship with Coach Bardin

The story's beginning and ending

Damien's feelings about his basketball skills

Answer 1

The point of view of a story can significantly influence how a reader understands various elements, including characters, relationships, and themes. Here’s how the point of view could help the reader understand the aspects you've mentioned:

1. Coach Bardin's Opinion About the Tryout: If the story is told from a third-person omniscient perspective, the reader may gain insight into Coach Bardin’s thoughts and feelings about the tryout, which can reveal his expectations and biases. A first-person point of view might narrow this understanding to Damien's perceptions of Coach Bardin's opinion, potentially leading the reader to question the validity of that viewpoint.

2. Damien's Relationship with Coach Bardin: The chosen point of view allows the reader to see the dynamics between Damien and Coach Bardin. A first-person perspective from Damien’s side would provide a more personal and emotional understanding of their relationship, revealing Damien’s hopes, fears, and interactions with his coach. Conversely, a third-person perspective could provide a more balanced view that includes Coach Bardin's perspective on Damien, illustrating the complexity of their relationship.

3. The Story's Beginning and Ending: The point of view can frame how the reader interprets the story's changes from beginning to end. For example, a first-person point of view can provide a sense of growth or failure from Damien’s perspective, allowing the reader to experience his journey intimately. In contrast, a third-person view could highlight changes in other characters or the wider context of the story, enriching the narrative's themes.

4. Damien's Feelings About His Basketball Skills: The depth of understanding of Damien's feelings largely depends on the narrative perspective. If the story is told through Damien's eyes (first person), readers may experience his insecurities, aspirations, and frustrations firsthand. Through a third-person perspective, the reader might receive a more detached analysis of his skills and emotions but could also see how other characters perceive him, revealing the contrast between internal self-doubt and external validation.

Overall, the point of view significantly shapes the reader's connection to these elements, influencing how they interpret the characters' motivations, relationships, and the narrative's emotional impact.