Question

analyze craft and structure authors point of view
an authors point of view is based on his or her outlook. sometimes the author is objective, providing only facts and statistics rather than any personal opinions.
in other cases, authors are subjective. they may introduce facts, but they will also offer opinions. the opinion may be stated directly, or an author may use weighted words—words that touch readers feelings. the use of weighted words is meant to affect the reader, based on the authors purpose, which may be to encourage specific thoughts or feelings. note the underlined weighted words below.
example: please prevent our community from becoming ruined! sign the petition today to stop litter by imposing fines on those who throw their disgusting, smelly garbage onto our streets. restore our city to its beautiful appearance today!
each character in a story has character traits—individual qualities. you can identify character traits by making inferences—drawing conclusions—based on the characters behavior. a characters motives show whats behind his or her behavior. a characters perspective shows his or her viewpoint.
the point of view of a story is the perspective from which it is told. in the first - person point of view, the narrator is a character in the story and uses pronouns such as i and me. in the third - person point of view, the narrator is not a character in the story. the narrator uses pronouns such as he and she.
directions: read the passage. then, answer the questions.
ive been a janitor here at the university for over thirty years. ive seen a lot of the professors come and go. i have to say i enjoy talking to dr. stark, the history professor on the third floor, the most. i go into his office around seven oclock, and hes usually still there doing paperwork. he always has something to share, including the wonderful homemade bread that he brings from his wife.
we talk about sports or politics or woodworking, and he tells me stories about the ottoman empire. he loves hearing about my woodworking projects and my garden, and seems genuinely interested, not just pretending. he gave me a book as a thank - you gift at the end of last year. i keep it in one of the big side pockets on my overalls so i can read a bit on my breaks.

1. from what point of view is the story told? explain.
2. what traits do the characters share?
3. what inferences can you make about the characters motives and perspectives?

Explanation:

1. The story uses first - person point of view as the narrator uses "I" and "me" (e.g., "I've been a janitor...", "I enjoy talking to...").
2. Both characters seem friendly and interested in others. The janitor enjoys the conversations and Dr. Stark shares things like bread and listens to the janitor's projects.
3. The janitor's motive is to have pleasant conversations and share his interests. Dr. Stark's motive is to connect with the janitor, show interest in his life, and share his own life (like the bread). Their perspectives seem to be one of mutual respect and a desire for connection.

Answer:

1. First - person point of view. The narrator uses "I" and "me" throughout the passage.
2. Friendliness and interest in others.
3. The janitor wants to have good conversations and share his life. Dr. Stark wants to connect with the janitor and show interest in his life.