"A Dog of My Own" RL.6.6

"A Dog of My Own" RL.6.6

Explain How an Author Develops Narrator's Point of View

Character Point of View

• The character's point of view is the unique perspective that a character possesses toward the story.

• How the character feels about events, characters, or other elements in the story.

• Can be different than the author's point of view or the reader's.

• Often has to be inferred--look for textual evidence.

Multiple Choice

The day has finally arrived! I'm adopting the German Shepherd I have

wanted for as long as I can remember! When I was little, I had one of

those books with cardboard pages that showed all kinds of dogs. I took

one look at the picture of the German Shepherd and said, “My dog!”

How does the narrator feel about today?

• Angry

• Sad

• Excited

• Afraid

Open Ended

For the last decade, I have been asking repeatedly for a German Shepherd of my very own. At every request, my parents delivered what became a rehearsed response about needing to be old enough to handle such a smart breed and needing to be dedicated enough to be consistent and tenacious in training and needing to take responsibility for exercising and grooming and blah, blah, blah hard work. “You'll have a great dog if you do,” they said. “Sure, Dad. Whatever.” It couldn't possibly be that big a deal. I just want to play Frisbee with my puppy.

How does the narrator feel about his parent's responses about getting a dog?

Poll

I have now had Astro for three days. I realize that all the “nonsense” about determination and tenacity and hard work wasn’t nonsense at all. Having a puppy is serious business!

Has the narrator changed their opinion about having a puppy?

• Yes

• No

• I need more information

Open Ended

I have to wake up half an hour early every morning before school to walk Astro. When I return home, I walk him again and we play awhile. Then, every hour he's got to go out and before bed he needs a long trip outside. I made the sorry mistake of asking Mom to do it tonight. She delivered the speech again, while I bundled up and took Astro out in 20-degree weather. As tired as I am in the morning, I now know better than to ask for help.

What evidence does the author use to show that the character is changing?

Open Ended

We started dog training school today, and Astro has already learned to sit! He is so smart and attentive, and I am learning how to communicate what I want from him. Our homework is to learn “down.” I am sure it won't be a problem for a genius like this dog! Guess what else? He’s already figured out how to catch a Frisbee! It looks like the part about having a great dog is true, too.

How has the narrator's perspective changed about owning a dog? (Hint: How has the narrator changed?)