The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

by Muriel Spark

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Student Question

What is the point of view in "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" by Muriel Spark?

Quick answer:

The point of view in Muriel Spark's The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is third-person omniscient. This allows the narrator to reveal the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of any character at any time. The narrative perspective shifts among characters, including Miss Brodie, her students like Sandy, and even minor characters such as Miss Mackay, providing a comprehensive view of events and character dynamics.

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The point of view of Muriel Spark's novel, The Pride of Miss Jean Brodie, is third person omniscient. A third person omniscient narrator, who provides point of view, is able to relay the actions, thoughts, feelings and motives of any character, at any time throughout the novel.

In the Pride of Miss Jean Brodie, sometimes the third person omniscient point of view operates through Miss Brodie, for example when she requests a cartwheel be done for "comic relief." At other times it operates through one or other of the girls as when Sandy is with Sargent Anne talking about acquiring evidence against Miss Brodie. Or it may operate through a lesser character as when Miss Mackay interviews Sandy regarding exposing Miss Brodie.

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