Have you ever noticed how two people can experience the same event and tell completely different stories? Or how someone might describe a painting as beautiful while another finds it unsettling? This difference stems from something called subjectivity. It’s a fundamental part of how we perceive the world, and a powerful tool in writing. Let’s explore what ‘subjective’ means, and how it works in literature and beyond.
Understanding Subjectivity: A Core Concept
What Does ‘Subjective’ Mean?
Simply put, subjective means based on personal opinions, feelings, tastes, or experiences. It’s the opposite of objective, which means based on facts and observable realities. When something is subjective, it’s colored by individual perspective. There isn’t a single ‘right’ answer, only individual interpretations.
Think of it this way: If you say “Chocolate ice cream is the best flavor,” that’s a subjective statement. It’s your opinion, and someone else might strongly disagree! However, stating “Chocolate ice cream contains cocoa and dairy” is objective—it’s a verifiable fact.
Subjective vs. Objective: A Quick Comparison
| Subjective | Objective |
| Based on feelings, opinions, and interpretations | Based on facts and observable evidence |
| Varies from person to person | Consistent and universal |
| Example: “That movie was amazing!” | Example: “The movie is two hours long.” |
Subjectivity in Everyday Life
Subjectivity isn’t limited to opinions about food or movies. It’s woven into almost every aspect of our lives. Consider these examples:
- Beauty: What one person considers beautiful, another might not. It’s a matter of personal taste.
- Morality: Ideas about right and wrong can vary based on cultural background, personal values, and individual beliefs.
- Emotional Responses: The same news story might evoke different emotions in different people. Someone directly affected by an event will likely feel it more intensely than someone who only read about it.
- Historical Interpretation: Even seemingly factual historical events can be interpreted differently depending on the historian’s perspective and the sources they prioritize.
Subjectivity in Literature: A Powerful Literary Device
Writers frequently employ subjectivity to create richer, more engaging narratives. By presenting events through a character’s biased perspective, they can shape the reader’s understanding and emotional response. Here’s how it works:
First-Person Narration and Subjective Storytelling
First-person narrators, characters who tell the story using “I”, are inherently subjective. Everything the reader learns is filtered through their thoughts, feelings, and prejudices. This allows writers to:
- Build Empathy: Readers connect with characters whose inner worlds they can access.
- Create Suspense: An unreliable narrator—one whose perspective is biased or flawed—can create mystery and doubt.
- Explore Complex Themes: Subjectivity allows writers to examine how individual experiences shape our understanding of truth and reality.
Example: In Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, the entire story is told from Jane’s perspective. We see the events at Thornfield Hall through her eyes, colored by her strong moral convictions and passionate nature. This makes her a compelling and sympathetic character, but it also means our understanding of Mr. Rochester and other characters is inevitably biased.
Unreliable Narrators: A Deeper Dive
An unreliable narrator isn’t simply subjective; their account of events is actively misleading, either intentionally or unintentionally. This could be due to:
- Mental Instability: A character suffering from paranoia or delusions will present a distorted view of reality.
- Personal Bias: A character with strong prejudices or hidden motives might misrepresent events to suit their agenda.
- Limited Knowledge: A character who doesn’t have all the facts might draw incorrect conclusions.
Example: Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” is narrated by a man who insists he’s not mad while simultaneously recounting a bizarre and terrifying murder. His increasingly frantic and irrational account makes it clear that he’s an unreliable source, forcing the reader to question everything he says.
Subjective Descriptions and Imagery
Writers use subjective language and imagery to evoke specific emotions and create a particular mood. Instead of simply stating facts, they appeal to the reader’s senses and imagination.
Example: Consider these two descriptions of a forest:
Objective: “The forest contained tall trees, dense undergrowth, and several species of birds.”
Subjective: “The forest breathed a somber silence, its ancient trees clawing at the sky like skeletal fingers. Shadows danced in the undergrowth, hinting at secrets best left undisturbed.”
The subjective description is far more evocative and emotionally charged. It uses figurative language and sensory details to create a particular atmosphere and shape the reader’s experience.
Stream of Consciousness: Embracing Subjectivity
This narrative technique attempts to capture the flow of thoughts and feelings in a character’s mind. It is intensely subjective, often abandoning traditional grammar and punctuation in favor of a raw, unfiltered portrayal of consciousness.
Example: Virginia Woolf is a master of stream of consciousness. In Mrs. Dalloway, the novel flits between the thoughts and perceptions of various characters, offering a fragmented and deeply subjective glimpse into their inner lives.
Recognizing and Analyzing Subjectivity
When reading any text, it’s important to be able to identify subjective elements. Ask yourself:
- Who is telling the story? What is their perspective?
- What language and imagery does the author use? Are they neutral or emotionally charged?
- Are there any biases or prejudices evident in the text?
- How does subjectivity shape your understanding of the events and characters?
By recognizing subjectivity, you can become a more critical and engaged reader, and appreciate the artistry of writers who use this powerful literary device.
Subjectivity is an intrinsic part of the human experience and a valuable tool for writers. It allows for nuanced storytelling, complex character development, and a deeper exploration of truth and meaning. By understanding subjectivity, you can not only appreciate literature more fully, but also gain a greater understanding of yourself and the world around you.