Narrative: A Literary Device

Etymology of Narrative

The word “narrative” comes from the Latin verb narrare, which means “to tell” or “to relate.” The term has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European root gnō-, which means “to know.”

The Latin narrare developed into the Old French narratif in the 14th century. It, in turn, gave rise to the modern English word “narrative.”

This concept has been a fundamental aspect of human communication and culture throughout history with storytelling serving as a means of transmitting knowledge, values, and traditions from one generation to another.

Meanings of Narrative

Meanings of Narrative	Explanation
Storytelling	It refers to the art of telling stories, involving the presentation of events, characters, and experiences in a structured and sequential manner.
Account or Report	It also denotes a detailed account or report of events, typically involving the chronological recounting of connected happenings.
The Way a Story is Told	It describes the specific style, tone, or perspective used to convey a story, which can greatly influence how the audience perceives and engages with it.
An Interpretation	In certain contexts, it may refer to a particular interpretation or version of events, which can vary depending on the narrator’s perspective.
A Framework or Structure	It also refers to the overall framework or structure of a story, encompassing elements like plot, characters, setting, and theme.
A Unifying Theme or Idea	It also signifies a unifying theme or idea that runs through a story, giving it coherence and meaning.
Account of Personal Experiences	In memoir or autobiography, it is linked to the personal account of an individual’s experiences and life journey.

Narrative in Grammar

1. Noun: In grammar, it most commonly functions as a noun. As a noun, it refers to a story or an account of events, often with a particular structure or sequence. For example, “Her narrative of the journey was captivating.”
2. Adjective: It also can also be used as an adjective in grammar. In this context, it describes something that relates to or is characteristic of storytelling or a narrative style. For instance, “He used a narrative tone in his speech.”

While it is not typically used as a verb or adverb in grammar, it can be used creatively in language and literature to convey specific meanings or styles. However, its most common grammatical roles are as a noun and an adjective.

Definition of Narrative

As a literary device, it refers to how a story is told, including the structure, point of view, and style used by the author. It encompasses the techniques that writers use to convey their stories and engage readers. Narrative also refers to the broader themes and messages a specific work conveys as well as the cultural and historical contexts in which led to its creation.

Types of Narrative

There are many types each with its own unique characteristics and purpose. Here are some examples:

Type of Narrative	Explanation	Practical Example
First-Person Narrative	This is told from the perspective of a character within the story. It commonly uses pronouns like “I” or “we,” and the narrator’s personal experiences and thoughts are often central to the story.	In The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, narrates his experiences and thoughts in a first-person narrative, offering readers a direct insight into his perspective.
Third-Person Narrative	This is told from the perspective of an outside observer, not a character within the story. The narrator may have access to the thoughts and feelings of characters but is not a character themselves.	In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, the third-person narrative allows readers to see the thoughts and actions of various characters, providing a broader view of the story’s events.
Multiple Narrators	Some stories are told from the perspectives of multiple narrators, each offering their unique viewpoint and interpretation of events.	In The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner, the narrative shifts between multiple characters, revealing their differing perspectives on the Compson family’s decline.
Epistolary Narrative	This type is presented through a series of letters or other documents, such as diary entries or newspaper articles.	Bram Stoker’s Dracula employs an epistolary narrative format, using characters’ letters, journal entries, and telegrams to piece together the story of Count Dracula’s arrival in England.
Stream of Consciousness Narrative	This type seeks to capture the thoughts and emotions of a character in a continuous, unbroken flow of consciousness, often without a clear structure or linear plot.	In James Joyce’s Ulysses, the narrative employs a stream of consciousness style, delving into the inner thoughts and perceptions of the characters, creating a highly immersive reading experience.
Non-linear Narrative	Some narratives do not follow a strictly chronological structure, instead jumping back and forth in time or presenting events out of order.	In Christopher Nolan’s film Memento, the story is deliberately presented in reverse chronological order, challenging the viewer to piece together the story as the protagonist’s memory fades.

Common Examples of Narrative

1. Novels: Novels are typically structured around a story, following the journey of a protagonist or group of characters as they confront challenges and conflicts.
2. Short Stories: A la novels, short stories typically have a narrative structure, but on a smaller scale. They often focus on a single event or moment in the lives of the characters.
3. Film: Film is a highly visual medium that often relies on narrative to drive the plot and engage the audience. Movies typically follow a three-act structure, with a beginning, middle, and end.
4. Television: Television shows often use narrative to tell long-form stories over the course of multiple episodes or seasons.
5. Poetry: This type of poetry tells a story through verse, often using rhyme and meter to create a sense of rhythm and momentum.
6. Video Games: Video games are an interactive form of storytelling that often rely heavily on narrative to engage players and create a sense of immersion in the game world.

Literary Examples of Narrative

Title	Narrative Description
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee	To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee shows the narrative following Scout Finch, a young girl residing in the American South during the 1930s. Scout serves as the narrative’s focal point, and it primarily centers on her experiences as she acquaints herself with issues of racism, prejudice, and the injustices within the legal system.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald	The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald presents Nick Carraway as the narrator, a young man who relocates to New York City and immerses himself in the realm of the affluent elite. The narrative delves into themes of love, wealth, and social status, and it is renowned for its vibrant depictions and evocative imagery.
The Odyssey by Homer	“The Odyssey” by Homer unfolds the story of the odyssey of Odysseus, a prominent figure from the Trojan War. He endeavors to return to his homeland, Ithaca, to reunite with his wife and son. This epic tale brims with adventure, peril, and encounters with supernatural beings, exerting a significant influence on Western literature and culture throughout history.
The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe	“The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe features an unnamed protagonist who narrates the story. Driven to murder by the “vulture eye” of an elderly man, the narrative stands out for its psychological intensity and adept use of unreliable narration, portraying the protagonist’s deteriorating mental state as the narrative unfolds.

Suggested Readings

1. Booth, Wayne C. The Rhetoric of Fiction. University of Chicago Press, 1961.
2. Bruner, Jerome. Acts of Meaning: Four Lectures on Mind and Culture. Harvard University Press, 1990.
3. Cohn, Dorrit. Transparent Minds: Narrative Modes for Presenting Consciousness in Fiction. Princeton University Press, 1978.
4. Genette, Gérard. Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method. Cornell University Press, 1983.
5. Herman, David. Story Logic: Problems and Possibilities of Narrative. University of Nebraska Press, 2002.
6. Prince, Gerald. A Dictionary of Narratology. University of Nebraska Press, 1987.
7. Ricoeur, Paul. Time and Narrative. University of Chicago Press, 1984-1988. (This is a multi-volume work; make sure to cite the specific volume you are referencing.)
8. Ryan, Marie-Laure. Narrative as Virtual Reality: Immersion and Interactivity in Literature and Electronic Media. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001.
9. Smith, Barbara Herrnstein. Poetic Closure: A Study of How Poems End. University of Chicago Press, 1968.
10. White, Hayden. Tropics of Discourse: Essays in Cultural Criticism. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1978.