Voice and Point of View in Poetry

Point of View

Point of View

Who is telling the story?

Poets choose the perspective a poem will take according to who is telling or speaking. Depending on who the narrator or speaker is, information can be presented differently. As critical readers, we avoid simply taking the text for what it is. Instead, we consider various factors, including point of view, to help us reach a deeper understanding and appreciation for a text.

• First person

• Second person

• Third person

• Omniscient

Types of POV

Multiple Choice

The third person narrator can have varying degrees of perspective. Which perspective suggests the narrator is all-knowing and all-seeing? Think of a god-like narrator with access into the characters' inner thoughts.

• Limited

• Omniscient

• Multiple

• Psychic

Open Ended

In a sea of students standing at attention, Mr Jonas saw a small figure hunched forward. Her right elbow was propped up, supporting her head that was clearly heavy with sleep debt accumulated over the past week. "Leona Pereira!" Mr Jonas bellowed into the microphone, startling Leona. Launching herself up, Leona straightened her skirt and hung her head in shame. "Not again," she muttered.

Rewrite this passage in the first person point of view.

Poll

Which point of view do you prefer the most when reading a text? We will review your responses during discussion later!

• First person

• Second person

• Third person