There is a general modern trend to believe that writers cannot change the point of view in one single story when it is written from one character's perspective. I have read this in online forums and critiques of other peoples' stories. There may be editors out there who express this idea but this should be considered a personal opinion, and an opinion is not a rule.
I am reading The House of Mirth and found that the author of this book tells the story in second person from the main character's perspective (Lily Bart). However, whenever Lily has a conversation with another character the writer ventures to get inside the other characters' minds. We learn something about the feelings and emotions of the characters interacting with Lily by getting inside their minds even though the story is told from Lily's perspective; in other words, the writer becomes omniscient at times.
Have you ever tried this? Do you feel uncomfortable when a writer does it?
I have no problem with shifting points of view as long as it's clear whose point of view it is at the time. And I've written stories in third person omniscient changing points of view, but I get so much objections from my writing groups that I've stopped doing it. But I see it many times in many writer's stories.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Richard. I hope you will continue to experience with it. There is a trend to confuse opinions with rules. By the way, I am enjoying your book. I read it slowly, though, because I use the kindle software of my laptop. I don't have a kindle.
DeleteGood post. I adore Edith Wharton - both her her novels and short stories. And she is a genius as a writer, so everything she's written reads smoothly to me. But as a reader, I do get frustrated with head-hopping, especially if it's not handled smoothly and I have to backtrack and try to figure out when I switched form one person's thoughts and feelings to someone else's. I guess my concern with shifting POVs is that it has to be handled in a masterful way, or there is a good chance you alienate your reader. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGlad to know you like Edith Wharton's writing. I think I fall in love with writers' stories when their characters are complex, mysterious and interesting. Wharton's writing is musical as well. I just can't get enough of it. I think it is important not to confuse the reader, but there is no confusion in expressing another character's thoughts. On the contrary, it makes the scene more interesting.
DeleteShifting point of view is okay as long as I can follow who the writer is featuring. I like things nice and tidy so prefer as little going back and forth as possible.
ReplyDeleteYes, confusing the reader is not a good idea. I agree on that.
DeleteTerry Pratchett does this all the time but his story is so strong and writing so amazing, I don't see it so much - or at least the pov shifts don't bother me. With Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - oh boy! Then again the central mystery was so compelling I just gritted my teeth and carried on reading!
ReplyDeleteTake care
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Terry Pratchett, I should check his work then. Thanks for the recommendation, Old Kitty.
ReplyDeleteI have not tried it, but I am perfectly fine with an author who can do it well. I am sure they told James Joyce that stream of consciousness was not acceptable. The beauty of writing is to invent fresh modes of delivery. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Fresh voices need to be daring. I love reading James Joyce's work. I have one of his books on my list for this year.
DeleteI also haven't tried it but it doesn't bother me when I read it. Like JJ, when an author does it well, it could turn into a great read. Julia, thanks for passing by Novel Moments. I love your visits. I've dropped you a cyber hug.
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz!
DeleteWhen I first started writing my pov shifted and the writing was confusing to read. Now that I gave more experience I'd might give pov shifting another go.
ReplyDeleteGreat point, when done well it adds to the story
You are right. It has to be well done to avoid confusing the reader.
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