Activity Overview
The point of view in The Tale of Despereaux is different from many other novels. First, the narrator speaks directly to the reader, like when the narrator tells readers how Despereaux was listening to the music instead of searching for crumbs like normal mice. Additionally, the narrator knows what the characters are thinking; the narrator tells the reader how Despereaux is eager to see the light. Finally, the narrator knows what the characters are feeling; he describes the mixture of emotions of Despereaux as he saves the princess from Roscuro.
Template and Class Instructions
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Student Instructions
What makes the narrator so interesting in The Tale of Despereaux? Create a storyboard that looks at how the narrator's point of view helps us better understand the story.
- Identify three different examples of the narrator's point of view from the text.
- Illustrate each example.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
First person point of view. First person is when “I” am telling the story. The character is in the story, relating his or her experiences directly.
Second person point of view. The story is told to “you.” This POV is not common in fiction, but it’s still good to know (it is common in nonfiction).
Third person point of view, limited. The story is about “he” or “she.” This is the most common point of view in commercial fiction. The narrator is outside of the story and relating the experiences of a character.
Third person point of view, omniscient. The story is still about “he” or “she,” but the narrator has full access to the thoughts and experiences of all characters in the story.
Create a storyboard that identifies each point of view and describes each using a written explanation and an illustration.
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 19 Points | Beginning 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify the Points of View | The student identified all points of view the author employed in the novel correctly. | The student identified most of the points of view. | The student did not identify the correct point of view, |
| Written Explanations | Text descriptions clearly explain the points of view used in the novel and described the differences in their perspectives. | Text descriptions explain the points of view, but may lack clarity. | Text descriptions do not accurately describe the points of view. |
| Storyboard Images | Illustrations show scenes clearly connected to the point of view and perspective described and use visual elements to show a difference between perspectives. | Illustrations show scenes connected to the point of view and perspective described but may be simplistic or lack detail. | Scenes do not clearly describe the points of view employed in the novel. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the storyboard were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Storyboard is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Examining Point of View in The Tale of Despereaux
How does the use of multiple narrative voices enhance the storytelling in "The Tale of Despereaux"?
The use of multiple narrative voices enriches the storytelling in "The Tale of Despereaux" by providing readers with a multifaceted and nuanced perspective on the characters and the world they inhabit. Despereaux's first-person narrative allows readers to intimately connect with his thoughts, emotions, and courageous journey. Meanwhile, the omniscient narrator offers a broader view of other characters' experiences, motivations, and inner worlds. This narrative diversity adds depth to the story, as readers gain insight into the fears, hopes, and complexities of various characters. It engages readers on an emotional level and fosters a deeper understanding of character dynamics and thematic exploration, making the storytelling more immersive and captivating.
What effect does the exploration of characters' inner thoughts and emotions have on the reader's empathy and understanding of their actions?
Exploring characters' inner thoughts and emotions through different narrative voices enhances readers' empathy and understanding of their actions in profound ways. By delving into the inner workings of characters' minds, readers can empathize with their fears, desires, and motivations. This empathy allows readers to see beyond surface actions and judgments, often revealing the reasons behind characters' choices and behaviors. For example, understanding Roscuro's inner conflict or Miggery Sow's aspirations fosters empathy for characters who may initially seem antagonistic. This deeper connection with characters promotes a more nuanced and compassionate interpretation of their actions, encouraging readers to appreciate the complexity of human (and mouse) nature.
What elements should be included in the storyboard cells or worksheets when examining point of view in "The Tale of Despereaux"?
When examining point of view in "The Tale of Despereaux" through storyboards or worksheets, several key elements should be included. First, textual evidence or quotes that showcase the character's thoughts, feelings, or observations should be included to support the analysis. Visual representations, such as illustrations or symbols, can convey the character's perspective or emotional state. It's essential to highlight key narrative moments or scenes that reveal a character's point of view, as well as their motivations and reactions to events. Additionally, explanations and discussions of how a character's point of view influences their actions and decisions should be incorporated. These elements work together to provide a comprehensive exploration of point of view, helping students gain a deeper understanding of the characters and the narrative.
How to Teach Point of View Using Storyboards
Introduction to Point of View
Begin the lesson by explaining the concept of point of view (first person, third person limited, third person omniscient) in literature. Provide examples and discuss how different points of view can affect the reader's understanding of a story. Clarify the lesson's objective: to teach students how to represent different points of view using storyboards.
Modeling Point of View with Storyboards
Select a passage from "The Tale of Despereaux" that is narrated from a specific character's point of view. Model how to create a storyboard that visually represents the scene from that character's perspective. Explain how to choose key elements, such as visuals, captions, and dialogue, to convey the character's thoughts and emotions. Discuss how the chosen point of view influences the portrayal of events in the scene.
Guided Practice
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a different passage from the book that features a distinct point of view (e.g., Despereaux's first-person perspective and Roscuro's third-person perspective). Provide storyboarding materials (paper, markers, or digital tools) to each group. Instruct students to create storyboards that capture the scenes from the assigned points of view. Encourage them to include visuals and captions that reflect the unique perspective of the narrator.
Group Sharing and Reflection
Have each group share their storyboards with the class. Lead a class discussion on how the choice of point of view influences the representation of the scenes. Encourage students to reflect on how their understanding of the story changes when viewing scenes from different characters' perspectives. Conclude the lesson by emphasizing the importance of considering point of view when analyzing literature.
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