ENG1501
ASSIGNMENT 2
ADMIN
[COMPANY NAME]
, Guided solutions to the short story: ‘Rock’ by Lindiwe Nkutha 1. This story
uses first person narration. Explain how the narrative style influences our
perception of the events in the story, and how this contributes to the story’s
meaning. (10)
In the short story "Rock" by Lindiwe Nkutha, the use of first-person narration
significantly influences our perception of the events and contributes to the
story's overall meaning in several ways:
1. Subjective Perspective: First-person narration allows us to see the events of
the story through the eyes and thoughts of the protagonist, who is also the
narrator. This means that we have direct access to the character's emotions,
thoughts, and experiences. In "Rock," the narrator's first-person perspective
provides an intimate view of her inner turmoil and her evolving
understanding of the world around her. We get to witness her personal
growth and transformation as the story unfolds.
2. Emotional Connection: The first-person perspective fosters a strong
emotional connection between the reader and the narrator. As we share in
the narrator's thoughts and feelings, we become more deeply invested in her
journey. This emotional engagement allows us to empathize with the
character's struggles and experiences, making the story more relatable and
emotionally impactful.
3. Limited Knowledge: First-person narration also comes with limitations in
terms of the narrator's knowledge and perspective. In "Rock," the narrator's
understanding of the events and characters is limited to her own perceptions
and experiences. This limited perspective can lead to surprises and
revelations as the narrator discovers new information or gains insights
throughout the story. It keeps the reader engaged and curious about how the
narrator's perspective might evolve.
4. Personal Growth and Self-Discovery: The first-person narrative style in
"Rock" is particularly effective in conveying the protagonist's journey of self-
discovery. We witness her internal struggles and her gradual realization of
the importance of the rock in her life. This narrative choice allows the reader
to see how the character evolves and gains a deeper understanding of
herself and her relationship with the world around her. It emphasizes the
theme of personal growth and transformation.
5. Authentic Voice: First-person narration often provides a more authentic and
genuine voice for the narrator. In "Rock," the narrator's voice feels real and
unfiltered, which helps in portraying her as a relatable and complex
character. This authenticity contributes to the story's overall meaning by
allowing readers to connect with the narrator on a personal level and by
highlighting the authenticity of her emotional journey.
In summary, the first-person narration in "Rock" offers readers an intimate
and emotionally engaging perspective on the protagonist's journey of self-
ASSIGNMENT 2
ADMIN
[COMPANY NAME]
, Guided solutions to the short story: ‘Rock’ by Lindiwe Nkutha 1. This story
uses first person narration. Explain how the narrative style influences our
perception of the events in the story, and how this contributes to the story’s
meaning. (10)
In the short story "Rock" by Lindiwe Nkutha, the use of first-person narration
significantly influences our perception of the events and contributes to the
story's overall meaning in several ways:
1. Subjective Perspective: First-person narration allows us to see the events of
the story through the eyes and thoughts of the protagonist, who is also the
narrator. This means that we have direct access to the character's emotions,
thoughts, and experiences. In "Rock," the narrator's first-person perspective
provides an intimate view of her inner turmoil and her evolving
understanding of the world around her. We get to witness her personal
growth and transformation as the story unfolds.
2. Emotional Connection: The first-person perspective fosters a strong
emotional connection between the reader and the narrator. As we share in
the narrator's thoughts and feelings, we become more deeply invested in her
journey. This emotional engagement allows us to empathize with the
character's struggles and experiences, making the story more relatable and
emotionally impactful.
3. Limited Knowledge: First-person narration also comes with limitations in
terms of the narrator's knowledge and perspective. In "Rock," the narrator's
understanding of the events and characters is limited to her own perceptions
and experiences. This limited perspective can lead to surprises and
revelations as the narrator discovers new information or gains insights
throughout the story. It keeps the reader engaged and curious about how the
narrator's perspective might evolve.
4. Personal Growth and Self-Discovery: The first-person narrative style in
"Rock" is particularly effective in conveying the protagonist's journey of self-
discovery. We witness her internal struggles and her gradual realization of
the importance of the rock in her life. This narrative choice allows the reader
to see how the character evolves and gains a deeper understanding of
herself and her relationship with the world around her. It emphasizes the
theme of personal growth and transformation.
5. Authentic Voice: First-person narration often provides a more authentic and
genuine voice for the narrator. In "Rock," the narrator's voice feels real and
unfiltered, which helps in portraying her as a relatable and complex
character. This authenticity contributes to the story's overall meaning by
allowing readers to connect with the narrator on a personal level and by
highlighting the authenticity of her emotional journey.
In summary, the first-person narration in "Rock" offers readers an intimate
and emotionally engaging perspective on the protagonist's journey of self-
