Narrator and point of view

Using a first-person plural narrator helps the author suggest the idea of group identity, and how for teenagers being part of the right friendship group is very important and one of the key ways in which teenagers begin to form their own adult identity. The tone of voice of the narration in “Popular Girls” by Karen Shepard strikes a balance between self-importance and irony, suggesting subtle criticism of the group’s mentality and actions.

The narrator also uses direct address which suggests the intended receivers of the narration are other students or teenagers, those who are not popular: “You can sit on these benches too, but we do not notice you. Last fall we excised some of you from our group by taking you aside five minutes before chapel and saying ‘It just isn't working out.’ ” (ll. 14-16)

By directly addressing other teenagers, the narration provides readers with an insight into a group of people who are usually aloof or try hard to come across as cool.

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