Focalization for Dummies

Hey there! I'm here to help you understand the word "focalization." So, let's dive right in, shall we?

First off, focalization is a way of looking at or thinking about something. It's like wearing a special pair of glasses that allows you to focus your attention on one particular thing or point of view. Imagine you're at a park with lots of different people and activities happening all around you. When you focus your attention on a specific game being played or the pretty flowers, you are using focalization. You are choosing to concentrate on that specific thing, rather than everything else that's happening.

In another sense, focalization is also used to describe the way a story is told from a certain character's perspective. Have you ever read a book where the story is told through the eyes of one of the characters? When this happens, the author chooses to tell the story through that character's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This is called focalization because the author is focusing the narration and giving you a unique viewpoint.

Now, let's talk about focalization in a bit more detail!

Think of it this way: Imagine you're sitting in a classroom with lots of desks and your teacher is explaining something on the whiteboard. You can choose to sit in the front row, close to the board, where you can clearly see and hear everything your teacher is saying. By doing this, you are using focalization. You are intentionally focusing your attention on the teacher and the lesson, which helps you understand and learn better.

On the other hand, let's say you choose to sit in the back of the classroom. From there, you can see other things happening in the room, like your classmates whispering or doodling in their notebooks. While you may still hear some of what the teacher is saying, your attention is divided, and you might not fully grasp the lesson. In this case, you are not using focalization because you are not concentrating on the primary source of information.

Similarly, when a story is told through the focalization of a particular character, the author is deliberately choosing to show the events, thoughts, and emotions through that character's eyes and perspective. This limited viewpoint can help create a deeper connection between the reader and the character, as well as provide insights into their unique experiences and motivations. It's like looking at the story through a keyhole, getting a focused glimpse into their world.

So, to sum it up, focalization means narrowing your attention or telling a story from a specific character's perspective. It's like focusing your gaze on one thing instead of everything around you, or like seeing the story unfold through the lens of a particular character. It helps us understand and engage with what we're seeing or reading in a more meaningful way. I hope this explanation makes sense to you! Is there anything else you'd like to know?