Books Quote by David Lodge
““The choice of the point(s) of view from which the story is told is arguably the most important single decision that the novelist has to make, for it fundamentally affects the way readers will respond, emotionally and morally, to the fictional characters and their actions. The story of an adultery, for instance - any adultery - will affect us differently according to whether it is presented primarily from the point of view of the unfaithful person, or the injured spouse, or the lover - or as observed by some fourth party. Madame Bovary narrated mainly from the point of view of Charles Bovary would be a very different book from the one we know.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Fiction, David Lodge, 1992
Narrative perspective shapes readers' emotional and moral reactions to events and characters.
In simple terms: Viewpoint changes how we feel about a story.
Key Takeaway
Choose perspective deliberately to guide audience response.
Themes
storytelling
perspective
ethics
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- novel planning
- film script
- journalism
Key Concepts
narrative voice
subjectivity
empathy
Questions to Reflect On
- Whose voice is missing in your story?
- How does perspective affect moral judgment?
A Different Perspective
Different perspectives can limit understanding of other viewpoints.
