Question

The Doctor doubled his old-fashioned cloak across his breast as he strode home through the darkness. He knew his fellow-creatures better than most men; knew that inner life which so seldom unfolds itself to unanointed eyes. He was sorry he had accepted Pontellier's invitation. He was growing old, and beginning to need rest and an imperturbed spirit. He did not want the secrets of other lives thrust upon him.
Which statement best describes the point of view in the excerpt?
a. The third-person point of view is an omniscient observer.b. The first-person point of view is voiced by the subjective Mr. Pontellier.c. The first-person point of view is an omniscient observer.d. The third-person point of view is voiced by the objective Doctor Mandelet.

Answer 1

Answer:

The statement that best describes the point of view in the excerpt is:

a. The third-person point of view is an omniscient observer.

Explanation:

We can safely eliminate options B and C, since there is no indication of a first-person narrator in the excerpt. For us to know it is a first-person narrator, first-person pronouns (I, we, us, our etc.) would have to be employed. We are, therefore, left with options A and D. Option D is impracticable. The excerpt - taken from the book "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin - talks of Doctor Mandelet. The narrator knows how the doctor feels. We are told he is tired of superficial social interactions. Still, that is not voiced by the Doctor himself. We have, thus, an omniscient third-person narrator, who knows of the characters' feelings, but remains anonymous.

Answer 2

A: The third-person point of view is an omniscient observer.