Kristen Linton
ENG 2012
Professor Johnson
25 October 2015
Point of view is defined as the particular a”tude one takes in considering a ma&er.
Narration is defined as the process of telling a story. While similar in output, both point of view
and narration o+er distinction that distinguishes each concept. In literature we see both
concepts at work. Authors use literary works to share their ideas with the world and the
authors’ point of view is the conduit of such expression. Whether it be sorrow, glee or
authoritative discourse, and author’s narration is enhanced through the a”tude and methods
chosen to express his or her view. Narration can be expressed in first, second and third person
format.
Rashomon is an adaptation of “In a Grove.” Both “Rashomon” and In a Grove are stories
about witnesses giving their side of the story to what happened to the Samurai that was killed.
Each character gives their side to the story themselves, using words as “I” and “me” declaring
that the story is being told in first person. Each character obfuscates the truth of what they
actually saw thus leading the detective to believe there is no murderer to find. The film depicts
all of these events. In “Rashomon”, the story introduces a fired servant who is forced with the
decision to either lead a life of righteousness by doing the right thing or sacrifice his morals to
steal for survival. Due to a sickening encounter with an old hag that steals hair of the corpses
laying on the 7oor, he is le8 with the result to steal for his own survival. There is much to be
learned just based o+ of the third person omniscient point of view from “Rashomon”.
In the case of “In a Grove” and “Rashomon”, the points of view are very di+erent. As well
as in the movie Rashomon. As the narrator tells the story through a point of view, the subject
interest plays a part in the “why” factor as to why the characters are behaving the way they are.
When the subject interest has been figured out, you can decide at this point, what the meaning
of the story is.
In “Rashomon” the subject interest was lying and being dishonest. It alludes to the
notion that lying is ubiquitous and not specific to any particular audience or person. Frankly put,
no ma&er how much a person abhors those who lie, he or she is guilty of the same act, and
