Three Perspectives Exercise

Reading a story told by fifteen narrators reminds us that reality is experienced and perceived by each of us according to our own concerns and beliefs. As readers of William Faulkner, we become detectives, sifting evidence brought by a variety of witnesses, some more reliable than others. For example, we have seen conflicting views on the manner in which Cash is building Addie’s coffin right outside her window. One character sees this as reassuring and appropriate, while another is infuriated and thinks Addie is being disturbed by the noise of the hammer, adze, and saw. As readers we pursue the truth by gradually accumulating details that become clearer as we see the action from a variety of viewpoints. Why would an author make his readers work so hard to find meaning? Perhaps because he knows that in real life, as well as in fiction, the truth is elusive and changes with each retelling of the story.

To explore the concept that perception of the truth is relative, choose an event in your life and tell the story from three differing viewpoints. Use yourself as the first narrator. Select two other narrators whose views will be different from yours. The event should be brief, perhaps just the scene when you arrive at the prom, for example, rather than the whole evening. Write your narrative sections in either interior monologue or stream of consciousness style. Have fun with it and remember to reveal how the story can change depending on who is telling it.

Please type your work so we can include it (as a homework assignment) in your writing portfolio.

Source: Adapted from As I Lay Dying: Curriculum Unit by The Center for Learning.