A kind of stupid question...

Question

"The narrator's feeling of jealousy towards Robert implies that he represents mind blindness".
When I say "he" here, does it refer to the narrator or Robert?
(my intention is to refer to the narrator)
should I just say "the narrator" instead of "he" to avoid confusion?

In a similar case,
"The narrator is suspicious of Robert's intention of touching her face when he exclaims ..."
Here, what does "he" refers to? my intention is to refer to the narrator.

Thanks in advance.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Hello, young0723—and welcome to English Forums. Thank you for registering as a member.

young0723A kind of stupid question.

There are no 'stupid questions' here. Ask whatever you wish.

young0723"The narrator's feeling of jealousy towards Robert implies that he represents mind blindness".When I say "he" here, does it refer to the narrator or Robert?

It is not clear to me in the sentence you have provided; perhaps in the greater context it is clearer to the reader.

young0723should I just say "the narrator" instead of "he" to avoid confusion?

That would help this reader, certainly. But to avoid repetition—

His feeling of jealousy towards Robert implies that the narrator represents mind blindness.

young0723In a similar case,"The narrator is suspicious of Robert's intention of touching her face when he exclaims ..."Here, what does "he" refers to? my intention is to refer to the narrator.

This one is even muddier; I expected 'he' to mean 'Robert' when I read it. Recast your sentence for clarity.

Young0723 · Answer

Thank you very much, Mister.

It really helped me.

A kind of stupid question...

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