(On the use of point of view in "The Suicides of Private Greaves" by James Moffet.
This story is ideal to use as an example to study the use of point of view in a story. It almost seems that the author wrote it as an exercise in the various uses of point of view. The author uses point of view effectively in several different ways. By never employing the point of view of the title character, the author clearly transmits both the isolated feelings that often affect the suicidal and the difficulty which most people have understanding suicidal behavior. However, the most effective use point of view in this story is as a metaphor for the personal journey, which the title character goes through. .
In the beginning of the story, Private greaves in not even in the scene. He comes into the story at the bottom of the first page. He in not conscience and is going through a tragic and painful ordeal. This would fit very well as a symbolic birth. For the next three pages, the author still uses the third person. In these passages, Greaves is slowly gaining consciousness, although he can look around, he seems unable yet to act or speak. This could be construed as a figurative infancy. It is not until the entrance of sergeant Clinton, and the first shift in the point of view, that greaves becomes able to speak.
When Sergeant Clinton confronts Greaves, we see the happening from the point of view of the sergeant. Clinton attempts to comfort and nurture Greaves. He feels protective of Greaves and is trying to protect him from any further trouble or pain. However, he fails to reach greaves and is unable to form a connection with him. In this, Sergeant Clinton clearly represents a parental figure. On who is attempting to do what he feels is best for his "Son" but is unable to really understand him.
Sergeant Clinton then turns over his charge, reluctantly, to Sergeant Brodder. Sergeant Brodder and Sergeant Krita both use various threats and pressures to attempt to force Greaves into behaviors, which they consider to be the correct ones.
