Point of View

Shipwreck by Gordon Korman is written from a first-person perspective that switches from one narrator to another. This style of writing allows the reader to understand the feelings and thoughts of a cross section of the characters instead of just one. The first person narrative is exemplified by phrases involving first-person singulars such as 'I' and first-person plurals such as 'we'. In this way, Korman allows the reader to experience the point of view of more than just the main character. The type of point of view employed by Korman is especially effective in this story because it allows the reader to understand the thoughts and feelings of the crew as they struggle to survive after the sinking of the Phoenix. It also gives the reader insight into the emotional strength and character of those who survive.

Korman introduces Luke Haggerty first and gives the reader...