A Different Perspective

From the beginning of the story, it is told from Mark’s perspective in the form of log entries. He generally wrote one log entry per day. However, a few chapters into the novel, it switches to a third-person authorial narrative from Earth. I was not surprised by this switch. I think without the switch between Mark’s log and the third-person perspective from Earth, the story would be lacking a critical element. Towards the end, the book shifts perspective from Mark, to Earth, to the rest of the crew.

I think by adding the third-person perspective, it enhances the novel. It gives another perspective of the events that are taking place, as well as answering unknown questions. This comes into play in situations that Mark does not have communication with anyone. However, on Earth, NASA can see everything that is going on around him, as well as what may happen, the third-person perspective gives readers insight into what may happen to Mark. By having this perspective, it adds suspense to the situation. For example, when Mark is traveling to Schiaparelli to get to the Ares 4 MAV, there is a dust storm that he has no idea about. Due to the fact that we get Earth’s perspective we know how critical it is to Mark’s survival that he misses this storm. It gives an added suspense because Mark has no idea the storm even exists, or how detrimental it could be. This storm could potentially be the reason for his death. At the very end, we get the perspective of the crew as they are about to attempt to rescue Mark. This is the most suspenseful part because it is switching between Mark, Earth, and the crew’s perspective. However, because of the time difference between Earth and Mars, Earth does not receive what is happening in real time. Without the shift between perspectives, the story would be lacking suspense and another dimension.