Stories with Examples of Third Person Objective:
1. "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson:
Example:
> "The children assembled first, of course. School was recently over for the summer, and their houses were all close together. They came excitedly, with the lingering, half-hope that they might be chosen. The grown-ups, too, were arriving now, and soon the square was full of people, talking, laughing, and calling to each other."
Analysis:
The narrator only observes the actions and dialogue of the characters. We don't know their inner thoughts or feelings. The objective perspective builds suspense and allows the reader to draw their own conclusions about the characters' motivations and the horrifying ritual.
2. "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" by Ernest Hemingway:
Example:
> "The old man sat in the cafe, watching the waiter. He was reading a newspaper, but he wasn't really seeing the words. He was thinking about his life, about his loneliness, about the emptiness of the world. The waiter came over to him. 'Another brandy?' he asked. The old man nodded. He didn't want to be alone in the darkness, but he didn't want to go home either."
Analysis:
The narrator only reveals the old man's outward actions and dialogue. His inner thoughts are hinted at through his actions, but never directly stated. This creates a sense of mystery and forces the reader to consider the old man's internal struggle through his observed behavior.
3. "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy:
Example:
> "The boy walked beside him, his hand in his father's. They walked along the road, their eyes scanning the horizon. The sun was low, casting long shadows. They had been walking for days, and they were tired. But they kept moving."
Analysis:
The narrative remains focused on external events, observing the boy and his father's movements and surroundings. Their inner struggles and anxieties are present but mostly implied. The objective perspective creates a stark and brutal portrayal of their journey through a desolate post-apocalyptic world.
4. "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood:
Example:
> "The Commander's house is large, and I have to walk through many rooms to get to my destination. The hallway is a long, cold corridor, with white walls and a gray carpet. The air is thick with the scent of dust and lavender. I pass a painting of a woman, dressed in a gown, holding a rose. She looks sad."
Analysis:
The narrator's observations focus on the physical world, describing the surroundings and the objects she encounters. Her own emotions and thoughts are only indirectly revealed through her descriptions. This creates a sense of detachment and reinforces the oppressive atmosphere of the society she lives in.
These are just a few examples of stories utilizing the third person objective perspective. It's a powerful tool that allows writers to create a sense of distance, mystery, and suspense, while also encouraging readers to engage actively with the text and interpret the characters' motives and emotions.