Discussion: Shifting Perspective

American Short Stories

Part A:

The Conductor:

I’m the conductor of this train. This train is my home. I can’t even begin to count
how long I’ve been on this train for. The lives, stories, and background of the people on
my home are incredible. I have seen it all. The families, the lovebirds, the excitement, the
travelers and all. The most heart- warming people on this train is this woman and her
daughter. It can get boring sometimes going the same places and dealing with the same
people, but the spark in these particular people’s lives makes it have a sense that it’s all
alright. Now, this is only from a distance. Reality hits you, and hits you hard, up close. I get
a friendly wave alongside a smile pretty much everyday. It’s wonderful. I feel, though, that
when they get closer to me, there is a sense of distance. A sense that when they get
closer, they feel farther away. But hey, that’s life. Everyday, people, including myself, get a
false sense of happiness and love. But like all hopes, sometimes it’s not the hope we
wished for, and life takes you on a different path with a new sense of mind.

The Mother:

I knew the conductor thought I was waving at him. I feel bad that I never said
anything. What I really was waving at was the train as it went by. A dream of mine is to ride
that train for as long as I can and have a great adventure. A fresh start to a new life, a new
me. I love my daughter dearly, and traveling the world with her with no plan in mind would
be incredible. Just us two, conquering it all, side by side.

Part B:

Changing perspective changes the story:

Without a doubt, changing the perspective changes the story. The most cliche
quote ever, is right on the spot: ‘You should never judge a book by the cover.’ As silly as it
may sound, it’s so beyond true. You can’t judge a person on looks or whatever until you
actually meet them and explore their personality. Wait until you know and understand
where a person comes from before judging them. You may be surprised. In writing,
authors may choose to use shifting perspectives to tell a story because it truly makes the
story different. Every character is different, and the perspectives they have, makes the
story interesting. It can make the reader think, and make it more exciting to read.
Changing the perspective is all about changing the way people see different things.
People have different reactions to these changes and it makes people think. Changing
the perspective of the story, changes the way the reader thinks.