Shusterman's 'Unwind' In Third Person Perspective

The author’s choice of perspective is incredibly influential on the attitude of the writing in the novel. Shusterman’s choice to put “Unwind” in third person perspective, (besides thoughts which are in first person, without personal pronouns), impacts the expression and tone of the statements used throughout the novel to convey the message of value in a life. A key example of this occurs when Connor and Risa untie lev from the tree he was being held ‘hostage’ on, and he does not run away. This causes Connor to think that “Maybe he’s starting to see the sense of staying alive.” (Shusterman, 46). Consequently, the use of the first person perspective during this thought, demonstrates the survival drive Connor has in this moment and protection he feels over Lev. The

This further enhances the tone and mood of the life or death situation to be sullen and desperate. This allows the audience to understand that in this moment, survival is the number one priority and conveys the message of value in life. Eventually, Connor and Risa find refuge with Sonia, the owner of a small antique store where she hides the escaping unwinds. When Sonia calls Connor to write a letter to anyone he has left behind, he discover thousands of letter and “Conner thinks of all the kids Sonia must have helped to have this many letters in her trunk,” (Shusterman, 111). In this moment, through the third person point of view, the audience is able to perceive the influential moment where life is symbolized as a precious thing. It helps the reader understand the worth of these thousands of lives that were unfairly being taken. Although narrative perspective is a simple element, it has a large impact on the perception, influence and emotion the reader feels in relation to the situations that convey the message of worth in