First person narrative means writing from the “I’ point of view. Some writers find it easier to unfold a story from this personal point of view. It also helps by alternately telling the story and showing it, because the narrator explains the events, gives his or her feelings about it and as it is played out, the reader can more easily follow the story. Almost as if the author is setting up the scene and then bringing you through it with him or her. Because of this, it feels as if the author is telling the story directly to you as an individual and makes it a more personal experience that way. This is the type of story-telling used in the movie ‘A Christmas Story’.
We get a different perspective on the scenes than from other types of story-telling; it’s not better or worse than other types, it’s just different. Since the other characters’ points of view are not available or being shown, we see the events through Ralph’s eyes. You really get to know Ralph personally. We are provided an intimacy with him through the happy and sad times he encounters. For instance, when Ralph asks for a BB gun for Christmas by asking his parents, writing a theme paper for a school project and asking the department store Santa, we have an insight into his feelings that would not otherwise be apparent to the characters or readers of the story.
And you feel happy for him when he gets his prized gift on Christmas day. In the scenes where he tells about how he and the other children are afraid of the bully, you can almost feel the fear they felt and you end up rooting for him when he strikes back. And the way he describes the Orphan Annie radio show, you feel like you are there listening to it with him. And the fervor he feels as he is taking down the ‘code’ is contagious and funny; especially when he goes into the bathroom to figure it all out, and has to end up rushing because of his little brother. The setting for this story is in a time when people and society depended more on each other than people of today.
The Essay on Rape Fantasies Story Estelle Telling
"Rape Fantasies" is written by Margaret Atwood in 1977. Basically this short story is about the narrator, named Estelle, recalling a conversation of several women during their lunch hour. It starts with one of Estelle's co-workers, asking the question "How about it, girls, do you have rape fantasies?" (pg 72) The story goes on with each woman telling their supposed "rape fantasy" to one another. ...
There was definitely a closer bond between family members and also neighbors, and this shows throughout the story. The first person narrative brings you in closer to not only Ralph and the other characters but also to that time in our history. And this makes you feel as if you were there when it happened.
