Perspective Definition and Examples

Perspective Definition: a narrator’s attitudes or beliefs about an event, person, or place based on their own personal experiences

perspective definition in literature

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Character Perspective

Perspective is important to consider when a reader is looking at the world or an event from more than just their own experience. A character’s perspective on a situation can be very different from another character’s perspective based on their own personal experiences, attitudes, biases, cultural background, and emotions. Authors use these different perspectives to open readers up to new possibilities, and to teach readers about other cultures or people. The perspective of a narrator focuses on the character’s attitudes towards the world around them. Perspective helps determine the approach the character will take in their interactions with other characters, and how the reader will view the work. For example, people in the United States often don’t think about the results of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II; instead, we are just told that it ended the war with Japan. Japanese-American author Siu Wai Anderson shows the perspective of this catastrophic event through the eyes of a survivor in her short story “Autumn Gardening”. Authors may take on a particular perspective to reach a specific audience. Perspective differs from point of view in that it deals with the experiences of characters in a story, rather than the kind of narration the story is being told from.

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Notable Examples of Perspective in Literature

• “Autumn Gardening”
• The Moon is Down
• The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
• Night by Elie Wiesel
• The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

Frequently Asked Questions about Perspective Definition and Examples

What is perspective in art and drawing?

Perspective in art refers to techniques used to create the illusion of depth and space on a flat surface, making objects appear three-dimensional.

Why is understanding perspective important for students?

Learning perspective helps students accurately represent spatial relationships, improves drawing skills, and enhances their ability to interpret visual information.

How can teachers explain perspective to elementary students?

Teachers can use simple examples like railroad tracks or city streets to show how lines converge in the distance, making it easier for young learners to grasp perspective concepts.

What are common types of perspective used in classroom art projects?

The most common types are one-point perspective, two-point perspective, and three-point perspective, each showing different ways objects recede into space.

Can perspective be used in subjects other than art?

Yes, perspective is also important in math, science, and geography, helping students understand maps, diagrams, and spatial reasoning.