The first-peson point of view gives the reader insight into the character´s feelings and thoughts. It is an excellent resource for the author to convey emotions.
The best example of an effect of the use of first-person point of view in The Strangers that Came to Town is perhaps when Andy finally comes to terms with the fact that his new neighbours deserve an equal treatment and concedes that “Who would have dreamed that the Duvitches would have so much more to offer us than we have to offer them?”
