Omniscient or Limited Narrative Styles?

Edited by -Mystery- - 15 years ago

Such lovely interesting topics and darn, am so short of time! Grrr... I hate hectic schedules, but then who doesn't!

I'll get back to this later in the day!

Thanks Mahi for these interesting topics to discuss!

Its so good to see this section getting active again!! I've missed being here so much!!

It depends on what kind of story it is... I like both as long as the writer does justice to it... but when I write a story I usually write in limited narrative because it's easier for me... omniscient narrative is hard to do justice to...

Sareeta - You're most welcome, and I know hectic schedules are no fun, but hey whenever you can take time off, you'll find us here 😳

Chhilt - Definitely the most important thing is whether or not the writer does justice to it.

For some reason, I just want to know what everyone's thinking... I can' live with the fact that we know only one person's side of the story.  Maybe it's related to the fact that one character gives us a biased side of the story and it's not until you look at what every character is feeling that you actually begin to get the whole picture.  That's really important especially with the books with certain themes but when the novels are coming of age and like that then I understand if we just have the narrative point of view.

See, when I was reading The Kite Runner, I just wanted to know what feelings went on in Hassan's mind or Ali's or Baba's... but we only got to know Amir's side of the story which was heart breaking and touching and more than interesting to read but I still wish I knew what Hassan was thinking at certain points... See like htat I just want to know what the different characters' take is on different things.

-Mahi

Love the topic

Generally, it depends on the book. As has been said above, if the author can do justice to it, all's well. Limited narrative, in a way, binds the reader with the mind of the single most important character and their feelings. Personally, I love reading from different point-of-views, because it widens the horizon and the reader is introduced to multiple perspectives on the same situation. If the characters are well fleshed out and the author knows what s/he wants with the story, either can come across as powerful.

This content was originally posted by: -Mystery-

See, when I was reading The Kite Runner, I just wanted to know what feelings went on in Hassan's mind or Ali's or Baba's... but we only got to know Amir's side of the story which was heart breaking and touching and more than interesting to read but I still wish I knew what Hassan was thinking at certain points... See like htat I just want to know what the different characters' take is on different things.

See, IMO, if we had Hassan's POV the story/character might have provoked different feelings. The reason we felt so sympathetic and heartbroken for Hassan was because Amir painted him as something that was ineffable. Hassan was almost untouchable, too good to be human. Somehow to read from his perspective might have shadowed the enigma Amir created. However, completely agree that the story could have become a lot richer through Ali, and Baba's eyes, especially the later.

I generally like books written in first person narrative mainly so the connection between you and the book can be more deep. Like you get to know what's really going on in that character's head and everything through their pov. On the other hand, if it's a third person narrative book, you get an unbiased approach to the happenings in the book.. therefore you'll like whoever you like.

Also I like reading those books where it's written in first person..but in like more than 1 person's perspective.. anyone get what I'm saying?

-Navi.

This content was originally posted by: ftm_ca

See, IMO, if we had Hassan's POV the story/character might have provoked different feelings. The reason we felt so sympathetic and heartbroken for Hassan was because Amir painted him as something that was ineffable. Hassan was almost untouchable, too good to be human. Somehow to read from his perspective might have shadowed the enigma Amir created. However, completely agree that the story could have become a lot richer through Ali, and Baba's eyes, especially the later.

Very interesting! You've raised a very interesting point!! Definitely agree that from Amir's point of view, Hassen was really almost untouchable and a perfect friend... True if we had his point of view then that might break the image and he might become just like any other person who makes mistakes.  I hadn't thought about it this way... Amazing point!

Definitely, especially Amir learns the truth of his relationship with Hassan, Baba's point of view would help me a lot.  Although Rahim Khan tried his best to explain, I would've wanted Baba to say something on his behalf... maybe a diary he found, or a letter or something....

-Mahi

Edited by Morgoth - 15 years ago