Mark Twain and Viewpoint

Mark Twain and Viewpoint

         The kind of story you are telling may lend itself to different techniques. Viewpoint is one factor to consider in writing a good story. What changes when you alter the viewpoint. What can you include or exclude when change the viewpoint?
         Two of my favorite books when I was young were THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER and THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN. Tom was an ordinary boy blessed with an adventurous spirit, according to the author, and the story about him was exciting and well plotted. There was no lack of mystery, danger, and even love. Huckleberry Finn was equally as “ordinary” as Tom, but with a twist of abuse, neglect, and unfettered freedom.
         The two stories unfold in different ways, however, and may offer some insights to the aspiring writer. Tom’s story is told in the third person from the author’s viewpoint with Tom as the central character. Huck’s story is written in dialect from Huck’s viewpoint. Huck’s story seems much more personal and poignant. THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER is a ripping good story, but THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN makes a strong social comment concerning slavery and the neglect of children. It is also more emotionally demanding.
         Compare these techniques to see if there are ways you can vary your writing. With Tom the reader is an interested observer. With Huck we become a willing participant.
         What techniques have you tried with success? Which ones are you still trying to perfect?

         Experiment with this: Write a 100 word story. Rewrite it from another character’s viewpoint. Is it better or worse, harder or easier? What did you learn?