The Book of Whispers - Third person omniscient narrative (Grade 6)

Which piece of evidence best proves the narrator is using an omniscient point of view?

• The narrator describes the library's tall shelves and quiet atmosphere.

• The narrator reveals Rocco's frustration and hope for a shortcut, and also Eve's concern and belief in hard work.

• The narrator tells the reader that Rocco's history project is due on Friday.

• The narrator shows Eve walking over to talk to Rocco at the end.

Answer explanation

An omniscient narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of more than one character. The narrator shows Rocco's internal frustration and hope, and also shows Eve's internal concern and beliefs, proving the point of view is omniscient.

The narrator shows that Rocco is excited about the book because he thinks it will...

• teach him about old books.

• help him impress his classmate, Eve.

• be a shortcut to finish his project without much work.

• contain rare pictures of pyramids.

Answer explanation

The narrator reveals Rocco's thoughts: 'He imagined turning in his project tomorrow, all finished without the hard work. He felt sure this book was the perfect shortcut.' This shows his motivation was to avoid effort.

According to the narrator, what does Eve believe about finding knowledge?

• It should be done as quickly as possible.

• It is only found in one special book.

• The process of searching is also important and takes effort.

• It is best to work alone without any help.

Answer explanation

The narrator explains Eve's inner thoughts: 'True knowledge, she believed, took time and effort.' This directly states her viewpoint.

How does the narrator primarily develop Rocco's point of view in the moment he discovers the book is empty?

• By describing him gasping out loud.

• By stating that his 'hope turned into bitter disappointment.'

• By showing him looking over at Eve's stack of books.

• By having him mumble that he thought it would solve everything.

Answer explanation

The narrator directly tells the reader about Rocco's internal emotional change from hope to 'bitter disappointment,' which is a key technique for developing a character's point of view.

How does the narrator show the reader that Rocco's feelings change after he opens the book?

• By describing how he immediately asks Eve for help.

• By stating that he decided to choose a new project topic.

• By showing that he laughed at the blank pages.

• By explaining that his hope turned into 'bitter disappointment.'

Answer explanation

The narrator explicitly describes Rocco's internal emotional shift: 'His hope turned into bitter disappointment.' This allows the reader to understand his change in feeling.

The narrator reveals the different ways Rocco and Eve think about their project. Sort the following thoughts and feelings into the correct character's mindset.

Groups:

(a) Rocco's Mindset

,

(b) Eve's Mindset

• Feeling frustrated about having to do work

• Believing the search for information is exciting

• Enjoying piecing together clues from many sources

• Feeling disappointed when a shortcut fails

• Hoping to find a shortcut

• Feeling concerned that something seems too easy

Answer explanation

The omniscient narrator shows the inner worlds of both characters. Rocco's thoughts are focused on frustration and finding an easy way out. Eve's thoughts are focused on the enjoyment of the process and the value of effort.

Match the character's thought or action to the feeling or belief behind it, as revealed by the narrator.

• Realization that his belief was wrong

• Eve frowning when she sees Rocco with the book.

• Worry about taking shortcuts

• Eve pointing to her stack of books.

• Hope for an easy answer

• Rocco grabbing the dusty book.

• Belief in the value of thorough research

• Rocco feeling foolish after opening the book.

Answer explanation

The narrator connects each action to an internal thought or feeling. Rocco grabbed the book out of hope for a shortcut. Eve frowned because she was concerned about things that seem too easy. Rocco felt foolish when he realized his shortcut failed. Eve showed her books to demonstrate her belief in the process of research.

The narrator develops the story's moral by showing the reader the different inner thoughts of Rocco and Eve. First, explain how the narrator uses their contrasting points of view to teach the lesson about knowledge. Then, apply this lesson to a different situation, like learning a new recipe or practicing a sport.

Answer explanation