Narratology in Literature/Literary Theory

Etymology of Narratology

The term “narratology” is etymologically derived from two key elements: “narrative” and the suffix “-ology.” “Narrative” finds its roots in the Latin word “narrare,” signifying “to tell” or “to recount,” encapsulating the art of storytelling and the structure of stories. The suffix “-ology” has its origins in the ancient Greek word “logia,” which conveys “the study of” or “the science of.”

Therefore, narratology represents the systematic study and analysis of narratives, encompassing the examination of their structural, thematic, and linguistic elements.

This interdisciplinary field, which gained prominence in the 20th century, concentrates on comprehending the principles and mechanics of storytelling, rendering it a fundamental tool for the analysis of various narrative forms, including literature, film, and oral traditions.

Meanings of Narratology

Aspect	Meaning
Literal Meaning	At its most fundamental level, narratology pertains to the systematic study of narratives, encompassing the analysis of their structures, themes, and linguistic elements. It involves the examination of how stories are constructed and conveyed.
Structural Analysis	Narratology involves the examination of narrative structures, including plot, characters, and the arrangement of events within a story.
Thematic Exploration	It delves into the thematic elements of narratives, such as the underlying messages, symbols, and motifs in a story.
Linguistic Aspects	Narratology analyzes the linguistic features used in storytelling, including narrative voice, point of view, and discourse.
Narrative Theory	It encompasses the development of theoretical frameworks and models for understanding how narratives function and their impact on readers or audiences.
Interdisciplinary Study	Narratology is often employed in various fields, including literature, film studies, folklore, and even digital storytelling, making it an interdisciplinary approach to understanding narrative forms.
Narrative Types	It explores different narrative types, such as first-person narratives, third-person narratives, and unreliable narrators, to dissect the storytelling techniques used.
Narrative Evolution	Narratology also considers the historical and cultural evolution of narrative forms and how they adapt to different contexts and mediums.

Definition of Narratology as a Theoretical Term

Narratology, as a theoretical term, is the systematic and interdisciplinary study of narrative structures, elements, and techniques used in storytelling.

It focuses on the analysis of how narratives are constructed and conveyed, encompassing aspects such as plot, characters, thematic exploration, and linguistic features.

Narratology provides theoretical frameworks for understanding the function of narratives and their impact on readers or audiences, making it a valuable tool for interpreting and dissecting various forms of storytelling, including literature, film, and oral traditions.

Narratology: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists in Narratology:

1. Gérard Genette: Genette is a foundational figure in narratology, known for his extensive contributions to the field. In “Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method,” he introduces concepts like focalization (the perspective through which a story is narrated) and narrative voice. Genette’s work laid the groundwork for structuralist analysis of narratives.
2. Mieke Bal: Bal’s work in narratology emphasizes the role of cultural and social context in narrative analysis. Her book “Narratology: Introduction to the Theory of Narrative” explores the interconnectedness of narratives with broader cultural narratives and introduces the idea of cultural semiotics in narrative interpretation.
3. Roland Barthes: While primarily recognized as a semiotician, Barthes made significant contributions to narratology. In “S/Z,” he provides a structural analysis of Balzac’s novella “Sarrasine,” pioneering the application of structuralist methods to narratives. His work highlights the interplay of codes and signs within narratives.

Key Works in Narratology:

1. “Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method” by Gérard Genette: This influential work is a cornerstone of narratology, introducing structuralist analysis of narratives. Genette explores topics such as narrative time, voice, and mood, offering a comprehensive framework for narrative analysis.
2. “Narratology: Introduction to the Theory of Narrative” by Mieke Bal: Bal’s book provides an encompassing overview of narratology and its connection to cultural and social contexts. She emphasizes the importance of considering the cultural background when analyzing narratives.
3. “S/Z” by Roland Barthes: In “S/Z,” Barthes conducts a detailed structural analysis of Balzac’s novella “Sarrasine.” He deconstructs the narrative to reveal the various codes and signs at play within the text, demonstrating the application of structuralist methods to narrative interpretation.

Key Arguments in Narratology:

1. Narrative Structure and Time: Narratology explores the structural elements of narratives and their temporal aspects, including techniques such as analepsis (flashback) and prolepsis (flashforward). These techniques impact how stories are structured and experienced by the audience.
2. Narrative Voice and Focalization: It delves into the role of narrative voice and the perspective from which the story is narrated. The choice of narrative voice, whether first-person, third-person, or omniscient, profoundly influences the reader’s engagement with the narrative.
3. Intertextuality: Narratology examines how narratives are interconnected with other narratives, myths, or cultural references. The concept of intertextuality underscores the idea that narratives are not isolated but engage in a complex web of references and allusions.
4. Narrative Functions: It investigates the functions of narratives, including their role in conveying information, eliciting emotional responses, and prompting reflection in readers or audiences. Narratives serve various purposes beyond mere storytelling.
5. Cultural and Social Context: Some narratologists argue that narratives cannot be fully understood without considering the cultural and social context in which they are produced and interpreted. Narratives are embedded within larger cultural narratives and are influenced by societal values and norms.

Narratology, as elucidated by theorists like Genette, Bal, and Barthes, offers a robust framework for the analysis of narratives, shedding light on the intricate structures, voices, and functions that shape our understanding of stories in literature and various media.

Narratology and Literary Theories

Narratology is highly relevant to various literary theories, offering a systematic approach to understanding and analyzing narratives within the context of different theoretical frameworks. Here’s how narratology intersects with and contributes to different literary theories:

Theory	Relevance
Formalism	Narratology aids formalist literary theory by providing a structured methodology for analyzing the formal elements of narratives, including plot structure, point of view, and narrative voice. It helps formalist critics focus on the technical aspects of storytelling and how these elements shape a text’s meaning.
Structuralism	Narratology aligns closely with structuralist literary theory by examining the underlying, universal structures that govern narratives. It allows structuralist critics to identify recurrent patterns and codes within narratives and explore how these structures convey meaning.
Post-Structuralism	In a post-structuralist context, narratology is applied to deconstruct narratives, revealing the play of signifiers and the instability of meaning. It helps post-structuralist theorists critique the inherent biases and power dynamics within narratives.
Feminist Theory	Narratology can be used within feminist literary theory to analyze the representation of gender and power dynamics in narratives. It allows feminist critics to examine how narratives construct and challenge gender roles and identities.
Postcolonial Theory	Narratology is relevant in postcolonial literary theory for exploring how narratives reflect or resist colonial narratives and power structures. It enables postcolonial critics to scrutinize how narratives address issues of identity, hybridity, and cultural clash.
Reader-Response Theory	Narratology provides tools for reader-response theorists to analyze how narratives engage readers and influence their interpretations. It helps theorists examine how narrative choices affect the reader’s experience and meaning-making.
Marxist Theory	Within Marxist literary theory, narratology can be used to explore the representation of class and economic structures in narratives. It enables Marxist critics to assess how narratives reflect or challenge capitalist ideologies.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Narratology can assist psychoanalytic literary theorists in examining the narrative construction of the unconscious, repressed desires, and psychological development. It allows theorists to delve into how narratives reflect and influence the psyche of characters and readers.

Narratology in Literary Criticism

1. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville:
   • Plot Structure and Narrative Coherence: While “Moby-Dick” is celebrated for its intricate exploration of the whaling industry and themes of obsession, it has been critiqued for its narrative digressions. Some readers find these digressions, such as detailed descriptions of whaling practices, to disrupt the overall narrative flow, impacting coherence.
2. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger:
   • Character Development and Motivation: Holden Caulfield’s character has been lauded for its authenticity and relatability. However, some critics argue that his constant cynicism and detachment may limit his character development. His behavior and thought processes are often perceived as repetitive, which can impact the novel’s character-driven narrative.
3. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez:
   • Narrative Perspective and Point of View: The novel’s extensive use of a third-person omniscient perspective is both its strength and a source of critique. While it provides access to the inner thoughts and experiences of multiple characters, some readers find it challenging to keep track of the numerous characters and their interconnected stories, raising issues of narrative point of view clarity.
4. Ulysses by James Joyce:
   • Narrative Ambiguity and Interpretation: “Ulysses” is known for its complex narrative structure and layered symbolism. While many consider it a masterpiece, its high degree of narrative ambiguity and experimental writing style has led to criticism. Some readers find it challenging to grasp the novel’s meaning and may feel that the narrative’s ambiguity makes it less accessible.

These critiques illustrate how narratology can be applied to analyze different aspects of narrative construction in novels, including plot structure, character development, narrative perspective, and the management of narrative ambiguity and interpretation.

Suggested Readings

1. Bal, Mieke. Narratology: Introduction to the Theory of Narrative. University of Toronto Press, 2009.
2. Barthes, Roland. S/Z. Translated by Richard Miller, Hill and Wang, 1974.
3. Chatman, Seymour. Story and Discourse: Narrative Structure in Fiction and Film. Cornell University Press, 1978.
4. Genette, Gérard. Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method. Translated by Jane E. Lewin, Cornell University Press, 1983.
5. Herman, David. Basic Elements of Narrative. Wiley-Blackwell, 2009.
6. Hühn, Peter, et al. The Living Handbook of Narratology. Hamburg University Press, 2014.
7. McHale, Brian. Postmodernist Fiction. Routledge, 2001.
8. Prince, Gerald. A Dictionary of Narratology. University of Nebraska Press, 1987.
9. Rimmon-Kenan, Shlomith. Narrative Fiction: Contemporary Poetics. Routledge, 2002.
10. Ryan, Marie-Laure. Narrative as Virtual Reality: Immersion and Interactivity in Literature and Electronic Media. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001.