Narrative lacuna, as a theoretical term, refers to deliberate gaps or omissions within a narrative structure, strategically employed by authors to engage readers or viewers in active interpretation.
Narrative Lacuna: Meanings and Concept
Literal Meanings:
Term
Literal Meaning
Narrative Lacuna
A literal gap or missing section in a narrative or story.
Temporal Gap
A literal lapse in time within the narrative, creating a break.
Information Gap
The literal absence or non-disclosure of information in the storyline.
Concepts Related to Narrative Lacuna:
Term
Concept/Interpretation
Plot Hole
A literal inconsistency or gap in the plot that disrupts logical coherence.
Suspense Element
The intentional creation of literal gaps to build tension and anticipation.
Character Arc Gap
Literal lack of development or explanation in a character’s journey.
Foreshadowing Gap
Unexplained literal hints or foreshadowing without resolution.
Artistic Ambiguity
Intentional vagueness in the narrative for artistic and interpretative purposes.
Reader Inference
Encouraging readers to fill literal gaps with their imagination.
Pacing Technique
The strategic use of literal gaps to control the narrative pace.
Narrative Lacuna: Definition as a Theoretical Term
Narrative lacuna, as a theoretical term, refers to deliberate gaps or omissions within a narrative structure, strategically employed by authors to engage readers or viewers in active interpretation. These intentional narrative breaks serve as points of ambiguity, prompting audiences to fill the voids with their own inferences, thereby enhancing the overall complexity and depth of the storytelling experience. Scholars often analyze narrative lacuna as a nuanced technique employed for purposes such as fostering suspense, encouraging critical engagement, or conveying underlying themes through implicit meaning.
Narrative Lacuna: Theorists, Works and Arguments
Theorist
Works
Arguments
Wolfgang Iser
The Act of Reading: A Theory of Aesthetic Response
Explores how gaps and indeterminacies in a narrative engage readers in a dynamic process of meaning construction.
Roland Barthes
S/Z
Analyzes narrative structures, emphasizing gaps and silences as essential elements that invite reader participation.
Umberto Eco
The Role of the Reader: Explorations in the Semiotics of Texts
Discusses the role of gaps and omissions in texts, highlighting their significance in shaping reader interpretation.
H. Porter Abbott
The Cambridge Introduction to Narrative
Examines narrative gaps as crucial elements that prompt readers to actively contribute to the construction of meaning.
Gérard Genette
Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method
Introduces the concept of “sutures” and “ellipses,” exploring how narrative gaps contribute to the overall narrative structure.
David Herman
Narratologies: New Perspectives on Narrative Analysis
Explores narrative gaps within a cognitive framework, emphasizing their role in shaping readers’ mental representations.
Narrative Lacuna: Key Characteristics
Intentional Gaps: Narrative lacuna involves deliberate omissions or gaps in the storyline, strategically created by the author.
Reader Engagement: These gaps are designed to actively engage the reader or audience, prompting them to participate in the interpretation of the narrative.
Ambiguity and Uncertainty: Narrative lacuna introduces ambiguity and uncertainty, allowing for multiple possible interpretations of the story.
Plot Development: Gaps in the narrative may serve as tools for advancing the plot, creating suspense, or emphasizing key plot points.
Character Depth: Authors may utilize narrative lacuna to invite readers to infer and speculate about characters, contributing to the depth of character portrayal.
Thematic Significance: Gaps in the narrative can carry thematic weight, conveying underlying meanings or exploring abstract concepts through what is left unsaid.
Structural Impact: Narrative lacuna can influence the overall structure of a story, affecting pacing, rhythm, and the overall flow of the narrative.
Artistic Expression: Authors employ narrative gaps as a form of artistic expression, leveraging the power of what is omitted to enhance the aesthetic quality of the work.
Cognitive Engagement: These gaps can stimulate cognitive engagement, challenging readers to think critically and actively participate in the construction of meaning.
Foreshadowing and Resonance: Narrative lacuna may be employed for foreshadowing, creating resonant moments as readers connect gaps in the narrative to unfolding events or revelations.
Central, as the deliberate gaps challenge fixed meanings and invite varied interpretations, aligning with the deconstruction of traditional narratives.
Crucial, as intentional gaps contribute to the aesthetic quality of a work, inviting contemplation and appreciation of artistic expression.
Narrative Lacuna: Application Critiques
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment:
Clarity and Effectiveness: The intentional gaps in Raskolnikov’s thought processes contribute to the psychological depth of the narrative, but at times, they may be challenging for readers to decipher, potentially hindering a clear understanding of his motivations.
Reader Engagement: The use of narrative lacuna effectively engages readers in the inner turmoil of the protagonist, prompting them to actively analyze and interpret his actions and beliefs.
Consistency with Genre and Theme: In the context of a psychological and philosophical novel, the gaps align well with the exploration of morality and existentialism, enriching the thematic depth.
Impact on Character Development: The gaps in Raskolnikov’s internal monologues contribute significantly to the complexity of his character, making him more intriguing and multi-dimensional.
Mikhail Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita:
Clarity and Effectiveness: The deliberate gaps in the fantastical elements may confuse some readers, but they add to the mysterious and surreal atmosphere of the novel, enhancing its overall impact.
Reader Engagement: The narrative lacuna invites readers to actively participate in unraveling the supernatural occurrences, fostering a sense of intrigue and curiosity.
Consistency with Genre and Theme: Given the novel’s blend of satire, fantasy, and allegory, the use of gaps aligns with its genre and thematic exploration of societal critique and freedom of expression.
Impact on Character Development: The gaps in the mysterious identity and motives of Woland contribute to the enigma surrounding characters, heightening the novel’s thematic elements.
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich:
Clarity and Effectiveness: Minimal gaps contribute to the straightforward and stark portrayal of life in a Soviet labor camp, ensuring a clear and impactful narrative.
Reader Engagement: While the narrative lacks complex gaps, the stark reality presented engages readers emotionally, prompting reflection on the human condition and resilience.
Consistency with Genre and Theme: The absence of extensive narrative gaps aligns with the novel’s realistic portrayal of Soviet oppression, emphasizing the theme of survival against adversity.
Impact on Character Development: The focus on the day-to-day struggles of Ivan Denisovich without elaborate gaps contributes to the authenticity and relatability of the character.
Boris Pasternak’s Doctor Zhivago:
Clarity and Effectiveness: Narrative lacuna in the form of time jumps can disrupt the chronological flow, making it challenging for some readers to follow the historical context.
Reader Engagement: The gaps in time and perspective invite readers to actively piece together the fragmented narrative, fostering a sense of involvement in the epic love story.
Consistency with Genre and Theme: The use of gaps aligns with the novel’s epic scope, capturing the tumultuous events of the Russian Revolution and the personal struggles of its characters.
Impact on Character Development: The gaps contribute to the complexity of characters, especially Yuri Zhivago, as readers must navigate through the disjointed timeline to understand the evolution of his character.
Narrative identity, as a theoretical term, encapsulates the dynamic process through which individuals construct and understand their sense of selfhood by organizing life experiences into coherent and meaningful narratives.
Narrative Identity: Definition of Theoretical Term
Narrative identity, as a theoretical term, encapsulates the dynamic process through which individuals construct and understand their sense of selfhood by organizing life experiences into coherent and meaningful narratives.
Rooted in the intersection of psychology and narrative theory, it posits that personal identity is intricately linked to the stories individuals tell about their lives, shaping their understanding of who they are and how they fit into the broader fabric of existence.
This conceptual framework highlights the active role individuals play in authoring their life stories, emphasizing the ongoing, interpretative nature of identity formation through narrative construction.
Narrative Identity: Meanings and Concept
Meanings and Concepts
Narrative Construction
– The process of shaping one’s identity through storytelling.
– The selection and interpretation of life events to create a coherent life story.
Autobiographical Reasoning
– Reflecting on personal experiences to derive meaning and understanding of one’s identity.
– Connecting past events to present identity, creating a narrative continuity.
Agency and Authorship
– The individual’s active role in constructing and authoring their life narrative.
– Taking ownership of the stories that shape personal identity.
Cohesion and Coherence
– The organization and logical flow of life events in a narrative, creating a sense of unity.
– Coherence reflects the consistency and stability of one’s identity.
Multiple Narratives
– The recognition that individuals may have multiple, sometimes conflicting, narratives of their identity.
– Different aspects of identity emphasized in various contexts and relationships.
Cultural and Social Influences
– How cultural and societal narratives influence the formation of identity.
– Negotiating personal stories within broader cultural and social frameworks.
Temporal Dimension
– The recognition that identity evolves over time, shaped by ongoing experiences.
– Reinterpretation and revision of life stories as individuals grow and change.
Sense of Self and Purpose
– How narrative identity contributes to a sense of selfhood and purpose in life.
– The role of personal narratives in providing meaning and direction.
Narrative Identity in Trauma
– The impact of traumatic experiences on the construction of one’s life narrative.
– The potential for resilience and growth through narrative reconstruction after trauma.
Narrative Identity: Theorists, Works and Argument
Theorist
Key Works
Main Argument
Dan P. McAdams
The Stories We Live By (2018)
McAdams argues that identity is constructed through the creation and interpretation of life narratives, emphasizing the role of storytelling in shaping one’s sense of self.
Paul Ricoeur
Time and Narrative (1984-1988)
Ricoeur explores the intertwining of time and narrative, emphasizing the importance of narrative identity in understanding the temporal dimension of human existence and the ongoing nature of self-construction.
Erving Goffman
The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life (1959)
Goffman’s dramaturgical approach contends that individuals perform various roles in social interactions, contributing to the construction of their narrative identities within societal frameworks.
Oliver Sacks
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat (1985)
While not a narrative identity theorist, Sacks’ clinical narratives demonstrate the impact of neurological disorders on personal identity, offering insights into the fragility and adaptability of narrative constructions.
Jerome Bruner
Acts of Meaning (1990)
Bruner emphasizes the importance of narrative as a fundamental mode of human cognition, arguing that individuals use narrative structures to make sense of the world and construct their identities.
Mary Field Belenky et al.
Women’s Ways of Knowing (1986)
This collaborative work explores women’s epistemological development through narrative, shedding light on how storytelling contributes to the formation of women’s identity and knowledge structures.
Erik Erikson
Identity: Youth and Crisis (1968)
Erikson’s psychosocial theory posits that identity formation is a lifelong process involving the resolution of crises. He argues that individuals develop coherent narrative identities by successfully navigating these psychosocial stages.
Sara Ahmed
The Promise of Happiness (2010)
Ahmed’s work engages with narrative identity through the lens of happiness, examining how societal expectations and cultural narratives shape individuals’ quests for happiness and influence the stories they tell about themselves.
Narrative Identity: Major Characteristics
Personal Storytelling: Individuals construct their identities through personal storytelling, selecting and interpreting life events to create a coherent narrative.
Example: An individual may narrate their journey of overcoming adversity, emphasizing personal growth and resilience.
Autobiographical Reasoning: Reflection on personal experiences to derive meaning and understanding of one’s identity, connecting past events to present identity.
Example: A person reflects on past challenges, drawing connections to how those experiences have shaped their current beliefs and values.
Agency and Authorship: Individuals actively author their life narratives, taking ownership of the stories that contribute to the formation of their identity.
Example: Someone consciously shapes their narrative by highlighting specific achievements and moments of self-determination.
Cohesion and Coherence: The narrative exhibits organization and logical flow, creating a sense of unity in the storytelling and reflecting a stable identity.
Example: A person’s life story unfolds in a coherent manner, with each chapter contributing to a comprehensive understanding of their character.
Multiple Narratives: Acknowledgment that individuals may have multiple, sometimes conflicting, narratives of their identity in different contexts.
Example: A professional identity at work may differ from a personal identity within a close-knit community, reflecting the multiplicity of roles.
Cultural and Social Influences: Recognition of how cultural and societal narratives impact the construction of individual identities.
Example: An individual incorporates cultural values into their life story, showcasing the influence of cultural expectations on their identity.
Temporal Dimension: Understanding that narrative identities evolve over time, shaped by ongoing experiences and subject to reinterpretation.
Example: A person revisits their past narrative, adding new insights and perspectives gained through later experiences.
Sense of Self and Purpose: Narrative identities contribute to an individual’s sense of selfhood and purpose in life, providing meaning and direction.
Example: Someone frames their life story around a central theme, such as a pursuit of knowledge or a commitment to social justice.
Narrative Identity in Trauma: Recognition of how traumatic experiences impact the construction and reconstruction of one’s life narrative.
Example: A survivor of a traumatic event may reshape their narrative, emphasizing resilience and post-traumatic growth.
Dynamic Nature: Narrative identities are dynamic, subject to revisions and adaptations as individuals grow and change over time.
Example: An individual’s narrative undergoes adjustments to reflect evolving beliefs, experiences, and life stages.
Narrative Identity: Relevance in Literary Theories
Narrative identity is crucial in postcolonial literature, exploring how individuals construct identities within and in response to colonial contexts, reflecting cultural, social, and personal transformations.
Feminist literature often engages with narrative identity, examining how women’s stories challenge or conform to societal expectations, contributing to the broader discourse on female identity and agency.
Narrative identity aligns with psychoanalytic perspectives, as literature becomes a space to explore the complexities of the unconscious mind, personal history, and the formation of characters’ identities.
Existentialist literature delves into the existential quest for meaning and self-identity, with characters often grappling with the creation and reinterpretation of their narratives in the face of existential challenges.
Postmodern literature questions traditional notions of identity, often adopting fragmented or deconstructed narratives that challenge the stability of characters’ identities, aligning with the postmodernist critique of fixed meanings.
This theory explores how power structures influence the construction of narrative identities, with literature serving as a space to deconstruct and critique dominant discourses on gender and identity.
In structuralist literary analysis, narrative identity plays a role in understanding the function of characters within a larger narrative structure, emphasizing the interplay between individual and communal stories.
Narrative identity is relevant as readers engage with characters’ narratives, contributing to their own interpretations and constructions of meaning, highlighting the interactive nature of storytelling.
Critical race literature often explores how narrative identity intersects with racial identity, examining the impact of societal narratives on individuals’ understanding of race and the construction of racialized identities.
This theory combines psychoanalytic and feminist perspectives to analyze how characters’ narratives in literature reflect and resist gendered power dynamics, offering insights into the construction of gendered identities.
In these literary theories, narrative identity becomes a lens through which authors explore and critique various aspects of human existence, societal norms, and the complexities of identity formation. Characters’ narratives contribute to larger conversations within these theoretical frameworks, enriching the exploration of individual and collective identities in literature.
Narrative Identity: Application in Critiques
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead:
Critique: In Whitehead’s novel, the narrative identity of Elwood Curtis is intricately woven with themes of systemic racism and injustice. The construction of Elwood’s identity unfolds within the context of a brutal reform school, reflecting the broader narrative of racial inequality. The novel explores how Elwood’s personal story becomes entangled with the collective history of racial injustice, emphasizing the impact of societal structures on individual identity.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett:
Critique: Bennett’s novel delves into the narrative identities of twin sisters, Desiree and Stella, who take divergent paths in life—one embracing her Black identity, the other passing as white. The narrative intricately explores the complexities of racial and gender identity, demonstrating how personal choices shape individual narratives within broader societal contexts.
The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen:
Critique: Nguyen’s novel, narrated by a nameless protagonist who is a Communist spy, intertwines personal and political narratives. It reflects the protagonist’s internal struggles with loyalty and identity, providing a lens through which the novel critiques the impact of ideological conflicts on individual subjectivity.
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood:
Critique: Atwood’s sequel to “The Handmaid’s Tale” continues to explore the narrative identities within the dystopian world of Gilead. The novel introduces new perspectives, emphasizing how storytelling remains a powerful tool for resistance and the reclamation of agency within a totalitarian regime. The characters’ narratives contribute to a broader critique of oppressive systems and the resilience of individual identity.
These critiques feature recent novels with titles in bold italics, providing insights into how narrative identity is depicted and analyzed in contemporary literature.
Narrative Identity: Relevant Terms
Term
Definition
Narrative Identity
Construction of self through storytelling and life narratives.
Autobiographical Reasoning
Reflecting on personal experiences to derive meaning and understanding.
Temporal Dimension
Recognition that narrative identity evolves over time.
Coherence
The logical and organized flow of life events in a narrative.
Intratextuality is a theoretical term in literary studies that denotes the examination of relationships, references, and connections existing within a single text.
Intratextuality: Etymology, Meanings, and Concept
Etymology:
The term “intratextuality” is derived from the combination of two linguistic components: “intra-“ and “textuality.” The prefix “intra-“ comes from Latin, meaning “within” or “inside.” “Textuality” is derived from the word “text,” which originates from the Latin “textus,” referring to a woven fabric or a literary work. Therefore, intratextuality implies the exploration of elements within a text, emphasizing relationships, references, and connections existing internally.
Meanings and Concept:
Meaning
Concept
Definition
Intratextuality refers to the relationships and connections existing within a single text, exploring how various elements within the text interact with and influence each other.
Interconnectedness
It emphasizes the interconnected nature of a text, encompassing recurring themes, motifs, symbols, and other literary devices that contribute to the overall meaning and coherence of the work.
References and Allusions
Intratextuality includes references and allusions within a text, where one part of the work may refer to or resonate with another part, creating layers of meaning and enriching the reader’s understanding.
Structural Analysis
Scholars often engage in intratextual analysis to study the internal structure of a text, examining how different sections relate to each other, contribute to the narrative, and contribute to the overall aesthetic or thematic unity.
It involves the examination of various literary devices, such as foreshadowing, symbolism, repetition, and parallelism, within the text and how they contribute to the text’s complexity and depth.
Intra-authorial Connections
Intratextuality also extends to examining connections within the works of a single author, where patterns, themes, or character types reappear across multiple texts, offering insights into the author’s creative intent and thematic preoccupations.
Cohesiveness and Unity
The concept underscores the importance of intratextual elements in maintaining the cohesiveness and unity of a literary work, contributing to a seamless and meaningful reading experience.
Reader Engagement
Readers are encouraged to actively engage with the text, recognizing and interpreting intratextual connections to uncover layers of meaning, symbolism, and thematic nuances that contribute to a more profound understanding of the work.
Distinguishing Features
Intratextuality is distinguished from intertextuality, which explores relationships between different texts. It focuses specifically on the internal dynamics, patterns, and references within a single work, enriching the analysis of that particular text.
Critical Approaches
Scholars from various literary theories employ intratextual analysis as a fundamental tool for understanding the intricacies of a text. Structuralists, formalists, and other critics often utilize intratextual examination to uncover patterns, themes, and literary devices.
Intratextuality is a critical concept in literary analysis, providing a framework for exploring the internal dimensions of a text and enhancing our understanding of how various elements within a work contribute to its overall meaning and coherence.
Intratextuality: Definition of a Theoretical Term
Intratextuality is a theoretical term in literary studies that denotes the examination of relationships, references, and connections existing within a single text. It involves the exploration of how various elements within the text, such as recurring themes, motifs, and symbols, interact and influence one another, contributing to the overall cohesion and meaning of the work. This analytical approach emphasizes the interconnected nature of a text’s internal components and serves as a fundamental tool for scholars to study the intricacies of a literary work’s structure and thematic coherence.
Intratextuality: Theorists, Works, and Argument
Theorists
Key Works
Central Arguments
Roland Barthes
S/Z
Barthes explores the idea of textual “lexias” or units of meaning, emphasizing the interplay of codes and symbols within the text and how they contribute to its overall significance.
Gérard Genette
Palimpsests
Genette introduces the concept of transtextuality, including intratextuality, in which he delves into the various relationships and interactions within a single text, elucidating their impact on the work’s interpretation and meaning.
Julia Kristeva
Revolution in Poetic Language
Kristeva’s semiotic theory considers the intratextual dynamics of the symbolic and semiotic within a text, exploring how language functions beyond its surface meaning and contributes to the formation of textual identity.
Jonathan Culler
Structuralist Poetics
Culler discusses intratextuality as part of structuralist analysis, highlighting the internal relationships and patterns that create meaning within a text. His work contributes to the broader understanding of the structural elements of literature.
Michael Riffaterre
Semiotics of Poetry
Riffaterre introduces the concept of “hypogram,” emphasizing the intratextual relations between a text and its hidden, underlying structures. His argument centers on the exploration of these hidden structures to uncover deeper layers of meaning.
Hélène Cixous
The Laugh of the Medusa
Cixous’ exploration of écriture féminine involves intratextual considerations, emphasizing the internal dynamics that challenge traditional patriarchal structures within the text, ultimately contributing to feminist literary discourse.
Wolfgang Iser
The Act of Reading
Iser’s reception theory incorporates intratextuality by emphasizing the reader’s role in constructing meaning within the text. His argument underscores the importance of gaps and ambiguities within the text, allowing readers to actively engage in interpretation.
Roman Jakobson
Linguistics and Poetics
Jakobson’s communication model explores the intratextual functions of language, focusing on the poetic function where the emphasis lies on the form and structure of the message, contributing to the study of language within a literary context.
Jacques Derrida
Of Grammatology
Derrida’s deconstructionist approach challenges traditional notions of meaning and binary oppositions within a text. His argument explores the intratextual play of language, revealing the instability and multiplicities inherent in the process of signification.
Umberto Eco
The Role of the Reader
Eco’s reader-response theory incorporates intratextual elements by considering the reader’s active role in interpreting the text. His argument explores how readers navigate and construct meaning based on intratextual clues and structures.
These theorists, through their seminal works, have significantly contributed to the understanding of intratextuality, each offering unique perspectives and arguments that enrich the analysis of relationships and structures within a single text.
Intratextuality: Major Characteristics
Internal Relationships: Examines the interactions and connections existing within a single literary work, emphasizing the interplay of elements such as themes, motifs, symbols, and literary devices.
Recurrence of Elements: Focuses on the repeated occurrences of specific linguistic or thematic elements within the text, contributing to the overall cohesion and unity of the work.
Structural Analysis: Involves a detailed examination of the internal structure of the text, including the organization of chapters, sections, or stanzas, to uncover patterns and relationships.
References and Allusions: Encompasses references to earlier parts of the same text, creating a web of intertextual connections that contribute to layers of meaning and interpretation.
Emphasis on Language and Style: Analyzes linguistic features, styles, and forms within the text, considering how they shape meaning and contribute to the overall aesthetic and literary experience.
Thematic Unity: Aims to identify recurring themes and motifs that contribute to the thematic unity of the work, emphasizing the importance of these intratextual elements in conveying the author’s intended meaning.
Intra-authorial Connections: Explores patterns and connections within the works of a single author, revealing consistent themes, character types, or narrative structures that span multiple texts.
Cohesiveness and Unity: Highlights the role of intratextuality in maintaining the cohesiveness and unity of a literary work, creating a seamless and meaningful reading experience for the audience.
Enhanced Reader Engagement: Encourages active reader engagement by recognizing and interpreting intratextual connections, providing readers with opportunities to uncover layers of meaning and symbolism.
Differentiated from Intertextuality: Distinguishes itself from intertextuality, which explores relationships between different texts, by specifically focusing on the internal dynamics and references within a single work.
Intratextuality is relevant in structuralism as it emphasizes the interrelation of elements within a text, highlighting their structural patterns and how they contribute to the overall meaning.
Formalism places importance on the internal structure of a text, examining its form, style, and linguistic features, making intratextuality a key focus of analysis.
In New Criticism, intratextuality is relevant as the approach encourages close reading to analyze the text’s internal coherence and meaning, emphasizing the significance of elements within the text itself.
Poststructuralism challenges the stability of meaning and explores how different elements within a text can be deconstructed, making intratextual relationships a central focus of inquiry.
Intratextuality is relevant in Reader-Response Theory as it recognizes that meaning is constructed through the reader’s interaction with the text, including the interpretation of intratextual elements.
Psychoanalytic Criticism explores the symbolic and unconscious elements within the text, often evident through intratextual relationships and the portrayal of psychological dynamics.
Deconstruction examines how language and meaning are constructed and destabilized within the text, highlighting intratextual tensions and contradictions as crucial aspects of analysis.
Feminist Criticism analyzes how gender roles and representations are constructed within the text, including intratextual dynamics that reflect or challenge societal norms.
In Marxist Criticism, intratextuality is relevant as it considers how economic and social relations are reflected within the text, examining intratextual power structures and their implications.
Postcolonial Criticism explores how the text reflects and engages with colonial and postcolonial contexts through intratextual elements, examining how power dynamics are portrayed and contested within the narrative.
Intratextuality: Application in Critiques
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen (2001):
Explore the recurring themes of family dynamics and societal expectations within the novel. How do different characters contribute to the exploration of these themes?
Analyze the use of technology and its impact on the characters’ lives. How is technology woven into the narrative, and how does it reflect the time period in which the novel is set?
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz (2007):
Investigate the use of footnotes and multiple narrators. How do these narrative techniques create layers of storytelling within the novel?
Explore the recurring motif of fukú (curse) and zafa (counter-curse). How does this motif connect different characters and events throughout the narrative?
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell (2004):
Examine the novel’s nested structure and the connections between the different storylines. How do the characters and events in one timeline influence or reference those in another?
Analyze the thematic thread of reincarnation and the concept of interconnectedness. How does this theme tie the various narratives together intratextually?
The Help by Kathryn Stockett (2009):
Explore the relationships between the different female characters and their interconnected stories. How do the narratives of the maids and the women they work for intersect and influence each other?
Analyze the use of dialect and language variations among the characters. How does Stockett use language to highlight social and cultural differences intratextually?
When critiquing these novels, consider how intratextuality contributes to the overall richness and complexity of the narrative. Look for patterns, repetitions, and connections that enhance the reader’s understanding and engagement with the text. Additionally, examine how the authors utilize literary devices, structures, and themes to create a cohesive and layered reading experience within each novel.
A sestet, as a poetic device, is a stanza comprising precisely six lines, frequently utilized in the concluding section of sonnets.
Sestet: Etymology
The term “sestet” originates from the Italian word “sesto,” meaning six. In the realm of poetry, particularly within the sonnet form, a sestet represents the final six lines of a fourteen-line poem. Tracing its roots to Petrarchan sonnets, where it typically follows an octave (eight-line stanza), the sestet has evolved as a structural device providing resolution, commentary, or a thematic turn. Its adoption extends beyond the Petrarchan tradition to various poetic forms, showcasing its adaptability in capturing nuances of closure, contrast, or revelation within the broader context of poetic expression. The etymology of “sestet” thus encapsulates its numerical origin and the pivotal role it plays in shaping the cadence and meaning of poetic compositions.
Sestet: Literal and Conceptual Meanings
Aspect
Literal Meaning
Conceptual Meaning
Etymology
Derived from the Italian word “sesto,” meaning six.
Represents the last six lines of a fourteen-line poetic form.
Structure in Poetry
A stanza or section consisting of exactly six lines.
Serves as a structural device providing resolution or a turn.
Petrarchan Tradition
Traditionally follows an octave in Petrarchan sonnets.
Offers a shift in theme, commentary, or resolution in poetry.
Numerical Significance
Indicates the specific count of lines in the stanza.
Symbolizes closure, contrast, or a revealing moment in verse.
Poetic Adaptability
Extends beyond Petrarchan sonnets to various forms.
Demonstrates versatility in capturing nuances across poetry.
Composition Role
Contributes to the overall cadence of poetic works.
Shapes the rhythm and meaning, often marking a significant point.
Sestet: Definition as a Poetic Device
A sestet, as a poetic device, is a stanza comprising precisely six lines, frequently utilized in the concluding section of sonnets. Its structural significance is rooted in the Petrarchan sonnet tradition, where it follows an octave, providing a platform for thematic resolution, commentary, or a notable turn within the poem. The sestet’s role extends beyond mere numerical composition, serving as a crucial element in shaping the rhythmic cadence and imparting nuanced closure or revelation in diverse poetic forms.
Sestet: Types
Petrarchan (or Italian) Sestet:
This type is associated with Petrarchan sonnets and features an ABABCC rhyme scheme. The sestet typically follows an octave (eight-line stanza) and often provides resolution or a thematic turn in the poem.
Shakespearean (or English) Sestet:
Commonly found in the Shakespearean sonnet, the English sestet follows the ABABCC rhyme scheme as well. However, it is distinct from the Petrarchan sestet in its role, as it concludes the sonnet, often resolving the thematic elements introduced in the preceding quatrains (four-line stanzas).
While these two types represent the more traditional forms of sestets, poets and writers may also experiment with variations and modifications to suit the specific requirements of their compositions.
Sestet in Literature: Shakespearean Examples
Sonnet 18:
“Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st; Nor shall Death brag thou wanderest in his shade, When in eternal lines to Time thou grow’st: So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”
Sonnet 29:
“Haply I think on thee, and then my state, Like to the lark at break of day arising From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven’s gate; For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings That then I scorn to change my state with kings.”
Sonnet 73:
“In me thou see’st the glowing of such fire, That on the ashes of his youth doth lie, As the deathbed whereon it must expire, Consumed with that which it was nourished by.”
Sonnet 116:
“Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle’s compass come: Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, But bears it out even to the edge of doom.”
Sestet in Literature: Examples
Poet
Sonnet Title or Source
Sestet
John Milton
Sonnet 19
Cyriac, whose grandsire on the royal bench Of British Themis, with no mean applause, Pronounced and in his volumes taught our laws, Which others at their bar so often wrench; To-day deep thoughts resolve with me to drench In mirth that after no repenting draws; Let Euclid rest and Archimedes pause, And what the Swede intends, and what the French.
Petrarch
Sonnet 134
Madonna, with grief thou art so overworn, Thy wretched semblance makes me musing still; In pity, Lady, let me learn the skill To paint it out that none to thee shall turn. Lo! I am he who, thy forlorn, Am wed with grief, and ever will Be gazing on thee in my fancy, till I feel thy very self within me burn.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Sonnet 29 from “Sonnets from the Portuguese”
I think of thee!—my thoughts do twine and bud About thee, as wild vines, about a tree, Put out broad leaves, and soon there’s nought to see Except the straggling green which hides the wood. Yet, O my palm-tree, be it understood I will not have my thoughts instead of thee Who art dearer, better! Rather, instantly Renew thy presence; as a strong tree should.
John Keats
Sonnet to Ailsa Rock
Hearken, thou craggy ocean pyramid! Give answer from thy voice, the sea-fowl’s screams! When were thy shoulders mantled in huge streams? When from the sun was thy broad forehead hid? How long is’t since the mighty Power bid Thee heave to airy sleep from fathom dreams? Sleep in the lap of thunder or sunbeams, Or when grey clouds are thy cold coverlid.
Edna St. Vincent Millay
Sonnet IV from “Sonnets from an Ungrafted Tree”
Time does not bring relief; you all have lied Who told me time would ease me of my pain! I miss him in the weeping of the rain; I want him at the shrinking of the tide; The old snows melt from every mountain-side, And last year’s leaves are smoke in every lane; But last year’s bitter loving must remain Heaped on my heart, and my old thoughts abide.
William Wordsworth
Sonnet on the Sonnet
Scorn not the Sonnet; Critic, you have frowned, Mindless of its just honours; with this key Shakespeare unlocked his heart; the melody Of this small lute gave ease to Petrarch’s wound; A thousand times this pipe did Tasso sound; With it Camöens soothed an exile’s grief; The Sonnet glittered a gay myrtle leaf Amid the cypress with which Dante crowned.
Sestet in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories
Investigates how the sestet may reflect or challenge gender roles and perspectives.
Considers how female poets use the sestet to express their voices and experiences.
Explores the gender dynamics present within the structure and content of sestets.
These bullet points provide a brief overview of the relevance of sestets in different literary theories. Keep in mind that individual poems and poets may vary in their approach and interpretation of the sestet within these theoretical frameworks.
Sestet in Literature: Relevant Terms
Literary Term
Definition
Sestet
A six-line stanza or poem, often following a specific rhyme scheme.
A literary theory that focuses on the formal elements of a text, such as structure, style, and language, often emphasizing traditional forms like the sestet.
Prose poetry, as a literary device, defies conventional genre distinctions by melding the narrative structure of prose with the heightened imagery and rhythmic qualities characteristic of poetry.
Prose Poetry: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings
The term “prose poetry” has its roots in the fusion of two distinct literary forms, prose and poetry. The word “prose” originates from the Latin word “prosa,” meaning straightforward or direct speech. “Poetry,” on the other hand, is derived from the Greek word “poiesis,” which translates to making or creating. The combination of these terms suggests a literary hybrid that incorporates the rhythmic and imaginative qualities of poetry within the structure of prose.
Literal Meanings
Conceptual Meanings
Hybrid Form: Combines elements of prose and poetry.
Freedom of Form: Liberates itself from traditional poetic structures.
Rhythmic Language: Retains poetic rhythm in prose style.
Expressive Ambiguity: Allows for nuanced and ambiguous expressions.
Narrative Elements: Can include storytelling in a poetic manner.
Blurring Boundaries: Challenges the strict distinctions between prose and poetry.
Everyday Language: Often employs ordinary language of prose.
Rich Imagery: Utilizes vivid and evocative imagery like traditional poetry.
Paragraphic Structure: Typically lacks line breaks found in traditional poetry.
Emotional Intensity: Conveys emotions with the intensity of poetic language.
This poetry, through its etymology and nuanced meanings, provides writers with a versatile medium that transcends conventional boundaries, inviting exploration and innovation in the realm of literary expression.
Prose Poetry: Definition as a Literary Device
Prose poetry, as a literary device, defies conventional genre distinctions by melding the narrative structure of prose with the heightened imagery and rhythmic qualities characteristic of poetry. It operates beyond traditional verse forms, emphasizing the flexibility of language and the nuanced exploration of emotions and ideas.
This hybrid genre allows writers to harness the expressive depth of poetry within the expansive canvas of prose, challenging readers to engage with a unique fusion of form and content.
Prose Poetry: Type
Symbolist:
Focuses on conveying emotions and moods through vivid, symbolic imagery.
Emphasizes the exploration of the subconscious and the mystical.
Surrealist:
Incorporates dreamlike, fantastical elements and unexpected juxtapositions.
Aims to access the irrational and unconscious aspects of the mind.
Integrates storytelling elements within a prose framework.
Combines the narrative flow of prose with the evocative language of poetry.
Lyric:
Emphasizes personal emotions, reflections, and subjective experiences.
Utilizes poetic language and imagery to convey an intimate, lyrical tone.
Experimental:
Pushes the boundaries of traditional language and form.
Explores innovative structures, linguistic play, and unconventional styles.
Haibun:
A combination of prose and haiku, often exploring nature or personal reflections.
Blends the descriptive qualities of prose with the concise beauty of haiku.
Essayistic:
Integrates essay-like exploration of ideas with poetic language.
Engages in intellectual and philosophical inquiries within a poetic framework.
These types highlight the versatility of this poetry, allowing writers to experiment with various approaches to convey meaning, emotion, and aesthetics within the fluid boundaries of this unique literary form.
Prose Poetry in Literature: Examples
Prose Poetry in Literature Example
Explanation
“Paris Spleen” by Charles Baudelaire
Baudelaire’s collection is a landmark in prosodic poetry, capturing the complexities of urban life and the human psyche through rich, evocative language.
“The Book of Disquiet” by Fernando Pessoa
Pessoa’s introspective work is a prose-poetic masterpiece, delving into the inner thoughts and reflections of the semi-heteronym, Bernardo Soares.
“Citizen: An American Lyric” by Claudia Rankine
Rankine’s exploration of racial and social issues is conveyed through a blend of prose and poetry, creating a powerful and innovative narrative.
“Autobiography of Red” by Anne Carson
Carson’s novel in verse combines prose and poetry to retell the myth of Geryon, exploring themes of love, identity, and the complexities of the human experience.
“Bluets” by Maggie Nelson
Nelson’s lyrical exploration of love and loss in “Bluets” blurs the boundaries between essay and poetry, creating a unique and deeply personal prose poetry work.
“The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran
Gibran’s philosophical and poetic musings, presented in a prose format, cover a range of topics, offering timeless wisdom and reflections on life.
“Speedboat” by Renata Adler
Adler’s fragmented narrative in “Speedboat” incorporates poetic language, offering a modern and innovative approach to storytelling through prose.
“A Lover’s Discourse” by Roland Barthes
Barthes’ exploration of the language of love combines philosophical reflections with poetic prose, creating a unique blend of intellectual and emotional discourse.
“Just Kids” by Patti Smith
Smith’s memoir employs a poetic style, capturing the bohemian atmosphere of the 1960s and her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe with artistic expression.
“The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis” by Lydia Davis
Davis’ concise and often surreal stories exhibit its quality, showcasing the power of brevity and precision in conveying profound meaning.
Prose Poetry in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories
It challenges rigid genre distinctions, bridging the gap between prose and poetry, and aligns with postmodern literary theories that emphasize fluidity and intertextuality.
The genre’s tendency to blur the lines between traditional categories aligns with deconstructive theories, challenging binary oppositions and destabilizing fixed meanings in language and literature.
It often encourages reader engagement and interpretation, resonating with reader-response theories that highlight the active role of the reader in constructing meaning.
Close examination of the language and structure in prose poetry aligns with the principles of New Criticism, emphasizing the autonomy of the text and the importance of formal elements.
Its flexibility and inclusivity provide a platform for diverse voices, aligning with postcolonial theories that seek to amplify marginalized narratives and challenge dominant discourses.
The genre’s capacity for expressing personal and emotional experiences resonates with feminist literary criticism, providing a space for women’s voices and exploring gendered perspectives.
Its exploration of the subconscious and use of symbolism align with psychoanalytic theories, delving into the complexities of the human psyche and unconscious desires.
It often incorporates references, allusions, and intertextual elements, aligning with poststructuralist theories that emphasize the fragmented and interconnected nature of texts.
Experimental Literature:
Its willingness to challenge traditional narrative structures and linguistic norms aligns with the ethos of experimental literature, exploring innovative forms of expression.
The emphasis on beauty, language, and the subjective experience in prose poetry resonates with aesthetic and decadent theories that prioritize sensory pleasures and individual expression.
Prose poetry’s relevance in literary theories lies in its ability to embody and reflect the evolving nature of literary discourse, engaging with a spectrum of critical perspectives and contributing to the ongoing conversations within the field of literary studies.
Prose Poetry in Literature: Relevant Terms
Literary Terms in Prose Poetry
Definition
Hybrid Genre
Fusion of poetic elements with prose structure, challenging genre norms.
Epistrophe in literature, a captivating rhetorical device deeply embedded in literary traditions, enriches prose and poetry alike
Epistrophe in Literature: Introduction
Epistrophe in literature, a captivating rhetorical device deeply embedded in literary traditions, enriches prose and poetry alike with its rhythmic finesse. Characterized by the intentional repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses, epistrophe bestows upon language a harmonious cadence and impactful resonance. This deliberate repetition, skillfully employed by writers, not only enhances the structural symmetry of a piece but also serves as a powerful tool for emphasis, leaving an enduring imprint on the reader’s perception. Whether gracing historical speeches or infusing poetic verses with lyrical charm, epistrophe manifests as a versatile and potent linguistic device, inviting readers to partake in the artistry of language through its subtle yet profound echoes.
Epistrophe in Literature: Examples
Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech:
“…free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities”:
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…”
Winston Churchill’s speech during World War II:
“We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender…”
William Shakespeare’s “Richard III”:
“So we, by you o’erthrown, take up ourselves, ‘Tis long of you that spur me with such questions.”
Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address:
“…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Emily Dickinson’s poem “Success is Counted Sweetest”:
“Success is counted sweetest By those who ne’er succeed.”
John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address:
“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
Mark Antony’s speech in Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”:
“Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honorable man.”
Langston Hughes’ poem “I, Too”:
“I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother.”
John Milton’s “Paradise Lost”:
“The mind is its own place, and in itself Can make a heav’n of hell, a hell of heav’n.”
Epistrophe in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories
Repetition may uncover psychological patterns or themes within a character’s psyche.
Cultural Studies
Can serve as a vehicle for cultural expression and resistance within texts.
This table provides a brief overview of how epistrophe aligns with various literary theories, showcasing its adaptability and significance across different critical frameworks.
Epistrophe, a rhetorical device, involves the deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses, sentences, or verses.
Epistrophe: Etymology
The term “epistrophe” traces its origin to the Greek word “epistrophē,” derived from “epi” meaning “upon” and “strophē” meaning “turn” or “twist.” In rhetoric, epistrophe refers to the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses, sentences, or verses, contributing to emphasis, rhythm, and rhetorical impact in discourse.
Epistrophe: Literal and Conceptual Meanings
Literal Meanings of Epistrophe
Conceptual Meanings of Epistrophe
1. Repetition at the End: The recurrence of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences.
1. Emphasis and Reinforcement: Creates emphasis on the repeated term, reinforcing a central idea or theme.
2. Structural Device: Functions as a structural device in rhetoric, contributing to the overall organization of a speech or text.
2. Rhythmic Effect: Enhances the rhythmic quality of language, adding a memorable cadence to the discourse.
3. Cohesion in Expression: Serves to tie together and unify disparate elements within a piece of writing or speech.
3. Stylistic Flourish: Adds a stylistic flourish to language, heightening the rhetorical impact and engaging the audience.
4. Artistic Repetition: Exhibits an artistic use of repetition, allowing for nuanced variations in meaning or tone.
4. Persuasive Tool: Acts as a persuasive tool, compelling the audience to reflect on and internalize the reiterated concept.
5. Structural Parallelism: Creates a sense of parallelism in the structure, guiding the listener or reader through a cohesive and structured argument.
5. Memorability: Contributes to the memorability of key points, as the repetition aids in retention and recall.
Epistrophe, both in its literal repetition and its broader conceptual implications, serves as a versatile rhetorical device that enhances the expressive and persuasive qualities of language.
Epistrophe: Definition as a Literary Device
Epistrophe, a rhetorical device, involves the deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses, sentences, or verses. This repetition serves to emphasize the repeated term, creating a rhythmic cadence and contributing to the overall cohesion and structure of the discourse. Epistrophe is employed for its rhetorical impact, providing emphasis, stylistic nuance, and a persuasive quality to written or spoken language.
Epistrophe: Types
Type of Epistrophe
Example
Single-word Epistrophe
* “Love, love, love – that’s what it’s all about.”
Phrase Epistrophe
* “To see you is to see the universe; to know you is to know peace.”
Clause Epistrophe
* “He spoke with passion, he spoke with conviction, he spoke with authority.”
Sentence Epistrophe
* “In every victory, in every defeat, in every challenge, we find our strength.”
* “Day after day, night after night, we carry on, we carry on.”
These examples illustrate various forms of epistrophes, showcasing its adaptability across different linguistic constructs, from single words and phrases to more complex sentence structures and poetic stanzas.
Epistrophe: Examples in Everyday Life
Political Speeches:
Example: “Government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
Explanation: Abraham Lincoln’s famous epistrophe in the Gettysburg Address emphasizes the enduring nature of a government rooted in the people.
Advertising Slogans:
Example: “Just do it.”
Explanation: Nike’s slogan employs epistrophe to reinforce the idea of taking action, creating a memorable and impactful tagline.
Religious Texts:
Example: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Explanation: The repeated phrase in the Beatitudes from the Bible employs epistrophe for emphasis and to convey a sense of spiritual hierarchy.
Speeches of Civil Rights Movement:
Example: “We shall overcome. We shall overcome. We shall overcome.”
Explanation: The repetition of “We shall overcome” in speeches during the Civil Rights Movement symbolizes unity, resilience, and determination.
Poetry:
Example: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up.”
Explanation: Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic speech uses epistrophes to articulate his vision and create a powerful rhythmic impact.
Educational Lectures:
Example: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
Explanation: Malcolm X’s epistrophes underscore the importance of education in shaping the future.
Song Lyrics:
Example: “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”
Explanation: The repetition in the song “For Good” from the musical Wicked adds emotional weight and underscores the transformative power of relationships.
Motivational Speeches:
Example: “Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.”
Explanation: The repeated affirmations in this motivational quote utilize epistrophe for encouragement and reinforcement.
Protest Slogans:
Example: “No justice, no peace.”
Explanation: Commonly used in protests, these epistrophes emphasizes the inseparable connection between justice and peace.
Social Media Posts:
Example: “Live authentically. Live brilliantly. Live beautifully.”
Explanation: Social media influencers often use epistrophes to create catchy and impactful expressions, emphasizing the positive aspects of living authentically.
Epistrophe in Literature: Suggested Readings
Eliot, T.S. The Waste Land. Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1922.
