Which of the statements about the narrator is true?
A. The narrator’s insanity makes him a reliable narrator.
B. The narrator’s insanity makes him an unreliable narrator.
C. The narrator’s impersonal style makes him a third person narrator.
D. The narrator’s use of the word “you” makes him a second person narrator.
B. The narrator’s insanity makes him an unreliable narrator.
B. The narrator's insanity makes him an unreliable narrator.
To determine which statement about the narrator is true, we need to analyze the characteristics and narrative style of the narrator.
A. The statement suggests that the narrator's insanity makes him a reliable narrator. To evaluate this statement, we need to consider whether insanity would enhance or diminish the reliability of the narrator. Insanity typically affects one's perception of reality and reasoning abilities, which may lead to distorted or unreliable narration. Therefore, statement A is unlikely to be true.
B. The statement suggests that the narrator's insanity makes him an unreliable narrator. Insanity often causes unreliable viewpoints or an altered understanding of events, making it plausible that the narrator's mental state may affect the reliability of their narration. This is a common literary device used to create a sense of uncertainty for readers. Therefore, statement B is more likely to be true.
C. The statement implies that the narrator's impersonal style makes him a third person narrator. However, the use of the word "narrator" suggests that the narrative is told from a first-person perspective where the narrator is directly involved in the story. The impersonal style, if present, would instead make the narrator appear distant or detached from the events. Thus, statement C does not accurately describe the narrator.
D. The statement claims that the narrator's use of the word "you" makes him a second person narrator. In literature, second person narration addresses the reader directly as "you." However, it is essential to examine the context in which the second-person pronoun is used. If the narrator occasionally employs "you" without consistently addressing the reader, it might indicate a stylistic choice for rhetorical effect. Thus, statement D cannot be confirmed without further examination of the text.
Based on the analysis, statement B is the most likely to be true, suggesting that the narrator's insanity makes him an unreliable narrator. However, it is always crucial to consider multiple perspectives and review the text to reach a definitive conclusion.