Modernist use of shifting perspective

Posted: December 1st, 2008 | Author: ian.mull | Filed under: Style | Tags: , , , , , , , |

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In the extract below the perspective shifts several times. Initially it seems to rest with Hull who suggests, or even hopes, that something might happen to stop him reaching Santa Barbara. Then Andreas sees Hull, but it’s difficult to tell whether this is Hull watching himself be seen, Andreas seeing Hull, or an external narrator describing both characters from a different point of view altogether.

Then the perspective seems to switch to Desac, but “hate gleamed in his eyes” so again  someone is seeing his eyes but who?

Something might still happen. The steamer could turn around, or the coast could again retreat. But then the steamer let out a cry, and with a jerk the coast came nearer. Now it was quiet again, a grey and sleepy trip. The ship’s bell sounded. Two of the town’s people cowered in the rain on the landing-stage. The rope was throw. The girl was again bent over the rail.

Hey, Marie, still as skinny as ever, too!”

You’re one to talk!”

One of the men laughed and the other, hardly more than a youth, turned his head and observed the girl with narrowed eyes. He started. He had noticed Hull. For an instant, looking at the stranger, his sun-tanned and composed face took on an expression of curiosity and hope, tinged with haughtiness.

With his sleeve the landlord wiped off the table. Hate gleamed in his eyes as he placed glass and bottle before the stranger. Here was a man who could order expensive brandy in a year when his compatriots had not caught enough fish to bake the bread to last till the next catch. Hull filled his glass and, as was the custom in this part of the country, offered it to the man opposite him. Kedennek, on of the crew of the Veronika, barely touched the rim, his lips forming a thin line op pride. Then he put it down, wordlessly.



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