Point of View and Plot Development in Perfume Essay Example

The use of third person omniscient point of view following Grenouille in certain sections of Perfume contributes to both plot development for dramatic irony and heightened tension throughout the story.

Grenouille's life will lack purpose without the scent of the girl from Rue de Marais. He kills her to obtain it and finally experiences happiness for the first time. Words such as "no meaning", "never," and "happiness" emphasize this. The passage creates tension by revealing Grenouille's intentions and true pleasure while the girl remains unaware. This creates dramatic irony. After seven years in a cave, Grenouille becomes terrified of not knowing himself and realizes he possesses no scent. Keywords such as "ghastly fear" and "no odor" highlight this. This third-person perspective passa