When the second person *view* is not an uninvited guest?

Question

It is very strange to read the narrative from second person, but there are examples! Maybe there are a number of situations which are good for using second-person view?

Answer 1

"You're reading the advertisement: an offer like this isn't made every day. You read and reread it. It seems to be addressed to you and nobody else..."

These are the opening words of Carlos Fuentes' Aura, the only example of second person narration I've read.

In Fuentes' case, I think the second person narration contributes to an impression that the protagonist's actions (your actions) are happening in the context of a hypnotic or dream-like state. In Fuentes' story, the technique is effective and compelling.

Answer 2

Text Adventure games use a second-person narrative, as do many games that have been inspired by them, including some first person shooters.

You are in a dark room. You might be eaten by a grue.

Answer 3

Choose your own adventure books often use the second person.

Answer 4

Self-help books come to mind.

And thanks to random internet people, we have a list of notable second person narratives