Understanding 3rd Person Omniscient Point of View in Literature

Understanding 3rd Person Omniscient Point of View in Literature

As a reader, we all look for a captivating story that can transport us to a different world or an unfamiliar territory. However, have you ever wondered how an author can take us into a character’s mind and give us an insight into their thoughts, emotions, and motives? Have you ever noticed how the narrator of the story can control the flow of information and manipulate our perception of certain events or characters? This is where the point of view comes into play, and 3rd person omniscient point of view is one of the most fundamental and versatile techniques used in literature.

What is 3rd Person Omniscient Point of View?

In simple terms, 3rd person omniscient point of view is a narrative technique where the story is told from an outsider’s perspective. The narrator is not a character in the story, but a voice that observes and shares the story with the readers. The word ‘omniscient’ means all-knowing, which implies that the narrator can access the thoughts, feelings, and actions of all the characters in the story. This gives the author the freedom to shift the focus and reveal multiple perspectives, motives, and conflicts that can shape the story.

How Does 3rd Person Omniscient Point of View Work?

To understand the workings of 3rd person omniscient point of view, let’s take an example of a popular story – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The story is told from a third-person omniscient point of view, which means that the narrator is not a character in the story, but a voice that can access the thoughts and emotions of the characters.

For instance, when Harry goes to Diagon Alley for the first time and sees his reflection in the mirror, the narrator describes his emotions – “A boy with a pale, pointed face and bright green eyes had appeared. This was not Harry. This reflected image looked stranger to him than anything else so far.” This gives the reader a peek into Harry’s thoughts and emotions, but also shows how he appears to an outsider.

Moreover, the narrator can also switch the focus and show the actions and emotions of other characters. For instance, when Harry and Ron save Hermione from the troll, the narrator shifts the focus to Hermione’s feelings – “She was whimpering uncontrollably, but Harry hoped she was starting to feel better, at least.” This not only adds depth to Hermione’s character but also shows how Ron and Harry perceive her.

Benefits of 3rd Person Omniscient Point of View

The use of 3rd person omniscient point of view in literature has several advantages, such as:

1. Flexibility – The narrator can shift the focus and reveal multiple perspectives, emotions, and motives of the characters, which can add depth and complexity to the story.

2. Control – The narrator can control the flow of information and manipulate the reader’s perception of certain events or characters, which can create suspense and surprise.

3. Clarity – The narrator can provide clarity and context to the story, which can help the reader to understand the plot, characters, and themes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding 3rd person omniscient point of view in literature is essential for any reader or writer who wants to appreciate the art of storytelling. The use of this narrative technique can provide flexibility, control, and clarity to the story, which can enrich the reader’s experience. Therefore, the next time you read a book or write a story, pay attention to the narrator’s voice and see how it shapes your perception of the story.