Topic 8 - Discourse structure and point of view > Linguistic indicators of point of view > Task G

Linguistic indicators of point of view

Task G - Psychological sequencing

Another way in which viewpoint can be represented is if the sequence of events is portrayed in a way which is unusual and appears to represent the sequence of impressions of a particular character, from whose viewpoint we are seeing whatever develops. Consider the following sequence from a horror story:

A hand dripping with blood came over the windowsill. Then the head of Count Dracula!

The fact that we get restricted information in the sequence that we do suggests that we are seeing the events from the point of view of someone inside the room, perhaps the Count's next intended victim. Have a look at how we think the scene might look.

Similarly, if we are told 'The light came on. They were not alone!', we feel that get the perceptions and reactions of the people in the room. Again we have restriction of information ('the light came on' does not tell us who switched it on) and a sequence of events which only makes sense from a particular viewpoint.

How does the sequencing of the events below indicate the psychological viewpoint of the 1st-person narrator? Compare your answer with ours.

A figure appeared in the door (1). It was Conchis (2).

(John Fowles , The Magus, Ch. 62.)

Our answer

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