RARA-AVIS: third person, in defense of Bill

Mbdlevin@aol.com
Sun, 25 Apr 1999 23:24:28 EDT MT writes:

<< And Chester
Himes's series of Harlem novels is entirely in the third person. >>

This example reminds me how first- and third-person narration will inevitably
create a different series of effects. It's hard to imagine the
quasi-superhero status of Grave Digger and Coffin Ed being handled
successfully if either one was a first-person narrator. It also allows them
to have elusive, almost secondary roles at times.

Off-subject, but, I think posters should go easy on list-owner Bill. He runs
a tight ship that generally leads to smooth sailing (oh boy--I can't believe
I used that cliche). He's also a real and regular guy, with feelings and all
that stuff.

Doug
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