How to Recognize a Point of View
Gettysburg: Two Points of View
The American Civil War broke out when the Southern, or Confederate, states decided they did not want to be part of the United States. The Northern, or Union, states fought the Confederate states to keep them all under one government. one of the most famous battles of the Civil War took place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in July of 1863. it is known as the Battle of Gettysburg.
A description of a historical event may be written by a person who took part in the event. A writer who was involved in an event will tell about it from his or her own point of view--a personal way of looking at the world around them.
Different writers often have very different points of view, or personal feelings and opinions, about the same event. For example, one description of the Battle of Gettysburg could be written from the point of view of a Confederate soldier. If another description was written from a Union soldier's point of view, it would probably very different. Writer's personal experiences affect the way they feel about what happened.
Below is an example of a Confederate soldier's point of view.
I was 20 when the civil War began. The Union wanted to keep us in the United States. But in Georgia and other southern states, we wanted to be independent and live by our own laws. I was proud to defend our way of life in the South by serving in the Confederate army.
STEPS IN Recognizing a Point of View
1. Find Clue Words
Words such as I, me, we, us, my, and our tell you that the writer was present at the event. These clue words can be used to help you figure out the writer's point of view. For example, how could you tell if a Union soldier or a Confederate soldier wrote the following passage?
General Meade was my commander. As leader of the Union Army, General Meade proved his strength.
By finding the clue word my, you can tell that the writer was with the same army as General Meade. Because of information given about General Meade, you can tell that the writer was a Union soldier.
2. Look for Feelings and Opinions
Look for words describing thoughts, opinions, and feelings. When a writer tells about is or her own feelings, you find out how he or she views an event. Having a clear understanding of a writer's feelings and opinions is a good way to recognize a personal point of view.
General Robert E. Lee was the great leader of the Confederate Army. I was proud to fight under a hero such as General Lee.
This passage tells you that the writer was proud to be on the same side of a battle as General Lee. Because of information given about General Lee, you can tell that the writer was a Confederate soldier.