Alo Fej

“Mr Know-All” is a narrative written in the first person; the narrator sees everything and is a part of the plot. This allows the reader to see the point of view (including opinions, thoughts, and feelings) only of the narrator, and no other characters. A very important part of reading a story like this is trying to understand the narrator’s position in relation to the story being told as quickly as is possible. In Mr Know-All, the whole meaning will be lost if the reader fails to see the narrator’s prejudice about Mr Kelada’s ethnic origins from the very beginning of the story.

He feel jealous

In fact, the narrator’s comments about the number of travel stickers on Kelada’s suitcases, the size of his wardrobe trunk, and his expensive toiletries and monogramed brush suggest that the narrator may be jealous because Kelada appears to be either more wealthy or more sophisticated than he is.

In the first episode, where he meets with Mr. Kelada, the narrator is more active, and involved. He observes, comments and judges Mr. Kelada as he sees him through his own eyes. Since he is influenced by his prejudiced British society, his judgments are subjective.

In the second episode, involving the necklace examination, the narrator is less involved. He is like a cameraman who takes photos and writes down what he hears objectively. After the chain examination is over, the narrator becomes subjective again.

In the last episode, the narrator discovers Mr. Kelada’s true character. As a result, he undergoes a change – he realizes that people should not be judged by their looks but by their actions and character. It is the narrator who closes the story.

(Distinguishing different perspectives)

Who is the narrator, can she or he read minds, and, more importantly, can we trust her or him?

1st person Character (major/minor? participant? reliable?)

* Objective but complex point of view from unknown narrator.

* speaks for the men of Jefferson, for the women,...