1. Point of view tells us whose eyes we are viewing the events of the story through. If the author uses “he” or “she” we call it third person point of view. If the author uses “I”, we call it first person point of view. In this case the phrase “point of view” doesn’t mean a person’s opinion or attitude or viewpoint. Instead, this is a technical definition used for fiction. When a story is in first person, that does not mean the narrator is the same person as the author. Assume they are two different people, that the author is not writing about themself.
What is the point of view of “Snow,” first person or third person? From whose point of view, or perspective, are we seeing the events of the story? Is the narrator the same person as Ann Beattie?
2. Setting is the location, time, place, and environment of a story. Where and when does “Snow” take place? How do we know? Why is the setting important in this particular story?
3. Characters are the people in the story and their conflicts. List three main characters and write a few words about the relationships between them. Which is the point of view character or narrator?
4. Tone is the attitude, mood or feeling you get from a piece of writing. If you have a certain feeling about a piece, ask yourself what specific words are giving you the feeling. What is the tone or mood of “Snow” (for example, happy, sad, angry, nostalgic)? To support your answer, add one quote from the story that gives you this feeling.
5. Traditional stories end with the main character having an epiphany, a realization or revelation brought about by the events of the story. In other words, the character is changed by the events of the story. In more modern stories, we don’t always see this. Where does “Snow” fit, modern or traditional? Does the main character come to a realization at the end of the story? If so, what is it?
