The Truth of the Matter
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Point of View or Rashomon Effect
In this short story, Witi Ihimaera uses the 'Rashomon Effect' to prod the reader into considering whether we ever really know the truth. He tells the same story from the point of view of several different characters and key differences change in each version. The reader must make their own interpretation of the facts depending on their cultural background or interpretation of the text. In addition, the reader can understand that the characters have a different viewpoint that is created by their cultural background.