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Linguistic indicators of point of view
Our answer to task D
Mr Verloc is happily waiting for his wife to bring him his supper when
actually his murderess is bringing him his death. There is thus considerable
irony between his point of view, which we are 'placed inside' in these
sentences and the wider point of view, of which we are keenly aware. 'Was
coming' is a proximal verbal deictic expression which helps to make us
feel anchored inside Mr Verloc's viewpoint, even though we know that limited
viewpoint is very unrealistic. Of course it is not the only thing involved.
Definite reference is used throughout as the things referred to are all
known by Mr Verloc, the first clause of the quotation anchors us inside
his sound perceptions and we are also told he was content when we know
he wouldn't be if he really knew what was going on.
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