Short Lecture/Point of View and "Cask" + Reading Assignment

Thus far, we’ve explored the nature of conflict in narrative and covered, to a small degree, plot and characterization. We’ll be working on those in even more depth as we study literary elements one by one. We begin that study “officially” next week, and we’re beginning with point of view. This element is of central importance in “The Cask of Amontillado”.

Point of view, of course refers to narration, the perspective from which the story is told (and sometimes there’s more than one point of view). At times, point of view is complicated by something. In the case of “The Cask of Amontillado”, we’ve got what’s called an “unreliable narrator.” Narrators can have a specific agenda; if this is the case, the story’s biased or slanted, and we have to consider that, particularly in light of characterization. If the narrator chooses to portray him/herself, or another character in a way that’s deceitful, unfairly biased, etc., then the character is at the mercy of the narrator.

In “Cask of Amontillado”, we’re told by Montresor that Fortunado has impinged on his good name, that he deserves what’s coming. He’s clearly motivated by revenge, which isn’t exactly the greatest predictor of truthful accounting. Significantly, Fortunado’s point of view is nonexistent. Everything we learn about him comes from Montresor. Further, Montresor explicitly tries to convince the reader that his accounting of the conflict is true by employing a variety of seemingly logical platitudes: “ It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong.”  This is the fourth statement designed to convince the reader (the unknown “you” which implies a direct listener, letter, or diary of sorts). Can you think of another major indication that Montresor is perhaps not to be trusted? Regardless, does your reading/understanding of the story shift at all when considering point of view closely?

Whom do you define as protagonist/antagonist here? Do you see these positions as fluid throughout the story, or are they fixed from the beginning?

***Note: A narrative told in first person does not mean that the author IS the character. Often, a writer creates a first-person point of view for a character for stylistic and other reasons (but reasons that have nothing to do with the character

being a replica/stand in for the author). Typically, if something is written in first person and that perspective really does belong to the author, we’re talking about a piece of non-fiction, not literary fiction.

You can see how many stories are quite elastic; the entire shape, mood, conviction of the thing can change enormously with a shift in point of view. Many authors have done this: rewritten a narrative with a different or additional point of view. In fact, we’re going to read two versions of the same story – our “romance” selection. Your first assignment from the book is to read the following sections from Chapter 6, “Point of View”:

1.Third-Person Narrator 
2. First-Person Narrator 

3. Anton Chekhov, The Lady with the Pet Dog OR

Joyce Carol Oates, The Lady with the Pet Dog 

4. PERSPECTIVE: Anton Chekhov, On Morality in Fiction OR

PERSPECTIVE: Matthew C. Brennan, Point of View and Plotting in Chekhov's and Oates's “The Lady with the Pet Dog” 

We’ll be discussing John Updike’s “A & P” next as our “coming of age” story, focusing on characterization, so you can get started with that if you so desire.

***Note: A narrative told in first person does not mean that the author IS the character. Often, a writer creates a first-person point of view for a character for stylistic and other reasons (but reasons that have nothing to do with the character Joyce Carol Oates, “The Lady with the Pet Dog” (text p. 206)

being a replica/stand in for the author). Typically, if something is written in first person and that perspective really does belong to the author, we’re talking about a piece of non-fiction, not literary fiction.