Author’s Perspective

An author’s perspective is the combination of experiences, values,

and ideasthat shape the way the author

looks at the world or a particular subject.

Understanding an author’s perspectivecan give you clues to his or herpurpose for writing and to his or herbeliefs.

When you read, look for examplesof the author’s

thoughts and feelings.

Let’s look atsome examples . .

.

from Civil War Journal by Louisa May Alcott 

April, 1861 – War declared with the South, and our Concord company went to Washington. A busy time getting them ready, and a sad day seeing them off; for in a little town like this we all seem like one family. At the station the scene was very dramatic, as the brave boys went away perhaps never to come back again. 

What can you determineabout Miss Alcott’sexperiences, values and ideasfrom the passage?

Miss Alcott left home to serve as a nurse to soldiers who were ill or had been wounded in battle.She wrote . . .

January, 1863 – I never began the year in a stranger place than this; five hundred miles from home, alone among strangers, doing painful duties all day long, and leading a life of constant excitement in this greathouse (hospital) surrounded by 3 or 4 hundred men in all stages of suffering, disease and death. Though often homesick, heartsick and worn out, I like it – find real pleasure in comforting, tending and cheering these poor souls who seem to love me, to feel my sympathy, and acknowledge my hearty good will.

Judging by her diary entry,explain Miss Alcott’s feelings

about her job as a nurseto the soldiers.

Writer Amy Tan is the daughter of immigrants from China. She lived in a poor section of San Francisco, among

other Chinese immigrant families. She wrote about an event that happened

when she was young . . .

At the corner of the alley was Hong Sing’s, a four-table café. Tourists never went to Hong Sing’s, since the menu was printed only in Chinese. A Caucasian man with a big camera once posed me and my playmates in front of the restaurant. After he took the picture, I told him he should go into Hong Sing’s and eat dinner. When he smiled and asked me what they served, I shouted, “Guts and duck’s feet and octopus gizzards!” Then I ran off with my friends, shrieking with laughter as we scampered across the alley, my heart pounding with hope that he would chase us.

What does this excerpt tell youabout the writer?

 How would the story change

if it were told fromthe Caucasian man’s perspective?

What if dogs and cats kept diaries?

How would their perspectives be the same or different?

Let’s take a peek!

Excerpts from a Dog’s Diary 8:00 a.m. – Dog food! My favorite thing!9:30 a.m. – A car ride! My favorite thing!9:40 a.m. – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!10:30 a.m. – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!12:00 p.m. Lunch! My favorite thing!1:00 p.m. – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!3:00 p.m. – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!5:00 p.m. – Milk bones! My favorite thing!7:00 p.m. – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!8:00 p.m. – Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!11:00 – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat’s Diary - Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed some sort of dry nuggets.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts. Theymerely made comments about what a “good little hunter” I am.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he waswalking. I must try this again tomorrow – but at the topof the stairs.

The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and he actually returns. I observe the bird communicatingwith the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports myevery move. My captors have arranged protection for himin an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now . . .