Point of view affects a story in that it allows readers to gain a very specific perspective. The short story is written from the most uncommon narrative in fiction literature. The second person is no different. It may seem strange, unconventional, or confining, but playing with point of view is one way to transform a story. Second person allows the reader to feel more part of the story and have a more personal feeling towards it. It’s that emotional impact that most writers are looking for when they write in the second-person point of view. It intensifies all of the emotions of the writing, as it reflects directly on the reader rather than on a character. For Fuentes, exploring the perspective of the second person only intensifies the dream like state Fuentes creates. The other perspectives, third and first, allows the reader to take a back seat as just the reader. However, the second point of view, forces the reader to take the role of the dreamer. In Fuentes short story, the reader is a part of the narrative, leaving them more privy to the themes Fuentes presents and the character development.
This point of view gives the reader the opportunity to feel part of the story since the characters are interacting with “you”. The second person point of view allows the reader to detect the themes of the story clearer.One of the themes that is used in the story is the revival of youth. This is specifically shown within the relationship between Aura and Consuelo. Consuelo tries to live vicariously through Aura. The author exaggerates this notion by even having their actions mimic one another’s. It states in the text, “The two of them get up at the same moment, Consuelo from the chair, Aura from the floor”(845). The second perspective allows for “you” as the reader to see the in-synced actions of the two through your eyes. It allows for you the reader to better visualize Consuelo’s attempt to persevere her youth by controlling Aura. By introducing the narrative in the second person perspective, the reader has no choice but to identify the major themes with Fuentes piece, they are already there.
Another advantage that second person has to this piece is helping develop the character of Felipe Montero. From the of the piece, Fuentes introduces “you” as Felipe. As a reader you have no choice but to do as Felipe does. As the second person perspective leaves the reader privy to more information than the first person, or third person observer; the second perspective arguably allows for the author more control of your thought process. As Felipe, you have multiple actions “you” could take, but choose not to. For example, the text shows even the simplest actions you have no control of. Fuentes states, “You open your eyes and see here standing at the foot of the bed, smiling but not looking at you” (847). In the second person perspective “you” Felipe, are following the actions of the author, you are not, as the reader, given the free will as the observer to others actions. Just as Felipe is acts, you are too. Similar to the movements micmic relationship between Aura and Consuelo. Character development is predicted by Fuentes, not you. Fuentes gives you the lens to see Aura and Consuelo actions. However, for your own’s you are blinded to. Therefore, as Felipe Montero develops so do you. Carlos Fuentes takes great leap using the second person perspective. However, because it was executed well, we are able to develop in the story as Felipe does.
ericca r, kayla, richard
1 response so far ↓
JMERLE // Nov 15th 2015 at 11:05 am
You all make some very nice comments about the second person, allowing the reader to feel more a part of the story and to “get inside” of Felipe’s head. You also make some nice connections to theme: the blur between two individuals, Consuelo/Aura (ultimately between the present and the past); the blur between reader/protagonist.
You were, however, to point to three distinct parts of the text, and you have only mentioned two. As, you need to work to become more involved in your specific pieces of text in terms of theme.
7/10