TExt

Seeing the World Through Different Lenses

exploring

Perspectives

Year 9 English

Analyse and evaluate how language features are used to represent

a perspective of an issue, event, situation, individual or group

Define the term

‘perspective’

curriculum standard

learning objectives

Identify the three main
types of perspectives
that might be offered

in texts

Analyse character
perspectives in a

studied text

Multiple Choice

What is Text

• a

• b

• c

• d

The power of perspective in art and film extends to writing, where authors
use tricks to guide readers in understanding their stories, characters, and

ideas.

Introduction

In the context of English class, the term ‘perspective’ refers to the
viewpoint, position, or lens through which a text is presented to us. It
encompasses the unique beliefs, attitudes and biases that might
shape the way that individuals or groups view and interpret various
topics.

It’s important to remember that perspective is more than an opinion; it
is a viewpoint informed by one or more contexts. People may have
different perspectives on events or issues due to their age, gender,
social position, beliefs, values etc.

Analysing perspective enables us to recognise that our interpretation of
a text can vary based on who is telling the story, their particular
viewpoint or stance on the topic and the language they’ve used to
construct this viewpoint.

so, what is perspective?

types of perspectives

So let’s dissect some of the lenses or vantage points through which texts are

constructed. There are three main ways we can analyse perspective in our study of

texts. These are:

Narrative
Perspective

Character
Perspective

Authorial

Perspective

Narrative perspective, also known as point of view, refers to
the vantage point or the lens through which a story is
presented to the reader.

It determines who is telling the story, their position in relation
to the other characters, their distance from the reader, and
the extent of their knowledge and involvement in the
unfolding events.

Narrative perspective plays a significant role in shaping the
reader's response to the characters and events in a story.

narrative perspective

types of narrative perspectives

The narrator is a

character within the
story and uses first-

person pronouns like "I"

or "we" to recount

events. This perspective
provides insight into the
narrator's thoughts and

feelings but limits the
reader's access to the

thoughts and feelings of

other characters.

First Person

This perspective is less
common and involves
the use of the second-
person pronoun "you."
It places the reader in
the narrative, making
the reader an active

participant in the story.

(think about ‘Choose
Your Own Adventure’

style novels).

Second Person

The narrator is external

to the story and uses

pronouns like "he",
"she” or “they”. The

narrator has access to

the thoughts and

feelings of one specific

character, offering a

more limited

perspective compared

to omniscient

narration.

Third Person

Limited

The narrator is external

to the story but

possesses knowledge

of the thoughts,

feelings, and

perspectives of

multiple characters.

This perspective

provides a broader
understanding of the
characters and events

in the narrative.

Third Person
Omniscient

Character perspective refers to the viewpoint (beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and experiences) of a
specific character within a narrative.

It allows us to see the world and events in the story from that character's individual point of view,
providing insight into their personality, values and beliefs, motivations, and emotional reactions,
and allowing us, as readers, to connect with and empathise with them.

character perspective

Remember, character perspective is inherently subjective, as it reflects the unique perceptions
and emotions of that subject and what a character sees, feels, and thinks may not necessarily
align with the objective reality presented in the narrative.

Character perspective can shift or evolve throughout a story as characters undergo growth,
change, or self-discovery. Many texts include multiple character perspectives.

character perspective

Authorial perspective refers to the unique viewpoint, beliefs
and voice of the author as they create and convey their text.

This perspective is influenced by their background,
experiences (including time period and cultural context) and
the way this shapes their worldview. An author’s personal
context ultimately influences how they choose to communicate
ideas, construct characters and convey other textual elements.

Understanding authorial perspective allows us to gain insights
into the themes, messages and intentions of an author as
they provide commentary on various aspects of life, society or
human nature.

authorial perspective

You are about to be divided into small groups and each group will be assigned

one character from the text we’ve been studying.

activity: analysing

character perspectives

In your groups, discuss the story from your assigned character's perspective.
What would the story look like if it were written from their point of view? What

are their values and attitudes, motivations, fears, desires, and beliefs?

Write your notes on a large piece of paper to create a visual representation of
your character's viewpoint as it's presented. Also record key examples from the

text that capture your character's perspective.

Be prepared to share your findings with the class!

to recap

How the choice in point

of view shapes the

narrative and affects

the way we might

respond to characters

and events.

Narrative
Perspective

The unique viewpoints

offered by specific
characters within a

narrative.

Character
Perspective

The viewpoint, beliefs
and voice of the author
as influenced by their

background,

experiences and

worldview.

Authorial

Perspective

We can look at perspectives presented in texts in multiple ways:

The key to understanding perspective is to imagine each
perspective as a unique lens that shapes the way we perceive
the text and its components.

Understanding this concept is not just a key to unlocking layers
of meaning within literature; it's a vital skill that empowers us to
make more informed judgments about the world around us. By
recognising that perspectives shape the way information is
presented, we become savvy readers, critical thinkers and
engaged citizens.

Use the questions on the following slides as a guide to help you
analyse and interrogate the various perspectives presented in
literature. Good luck!

to conclude

questions for analysis

1

2

From what point of view is the text written? How might this influence
the construction of the story and the way in which we respond to
characters, events or ideas?

E.g. first person, third person limited/omniscient

Through what lens (or lenses) do we view the events of the story?

E.g. a teenage boy, a mother, a detective

What do we know about the author, narrator or character’s personal
context that might influence the way they view the world?

E.g. age, gender, ethnicity, location, education level, hobbies or
interests etc.

3

Audio Response

what you said?

Open Audio Recorder

4

5

6

questions for analysis

What are their opinions or attitudes towards particular ideas, issues,
events, situations, individuals or groups?

E.g. Are they family oriented? Critical or distrusting of authority
figures? Supportive towards helping others?

What language features have been used to represent this
perspective?

E.g. Emotive language, word choice and connotation, descriptive
or figurative language, punctuation and/or syntax

How do these choices affect YOUR response towards particular
ideas, issues, events, situations, individuals or groups presented in the
text?