Narrative Arc in Literature & Literary Theory

Narrative Arc: Definition of a Theoretical Term

A narrative arc, in literary theory, refers to the overarching structure that guides the development of a story. It encompasses key elements such as exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, providing a framework for the unfolding of events. This theoretical term is instrumental in understanding how narratives achieve coherence and progression, shaping the reader’s or audience’s engagement with the storyline.

Narrative Arc: Meanings and Concept

Meanings:

Meaning/Concept	Description
Narrative Arc	The overarching structure or trajectory of a story, encompassing its beginning, middle, and end.
Exposition	The introduction of essential background information, including characters, setting, and context.
Climax	The turning point of the story, often the most intense moment where the conflict reaches its peak.
Resolution/Denouement	The conclusion of the narrative, where loose ends are tied up, and the story reaches its final state.
Conflict	The central struggle or problem that drives the narrative and creates tension.

Concepts:

Meaning/Concept	Description
Rising Action	The series of events that build tension and develop the central conflict of the narrative.
Falling Action	The events that follow the climax, resolving the central conflict and leading toward the resolution.
Character Development	The evolution of characters’ traits, motivations, and relationships throughout the narrative.
Foreshadowing	Hints or clues provided early in the narrative that anticipate future events or developments.
Closure	The sense of completeness or finality that the narrative arc provides to the reader or audience.

Narrative Arc: Theorists, Works and Argument

Theorists:

1. Aristotle: In his seminal work “Poetics,” Aristotle laid the foundation for narrative theory, emphasizing the importance of a well-structured plot with a beginning, middle, and end.
2. Gérard Genette: A prominent figure in narrative theory, Genette’s “Narrative Discourse” introduced concepts like order and frequency, contributing to the analysis of narrative structures.
3. Joseph Campbell: Known for his monomyth theory, Campbell argued in “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” that many myths and stories share a fundamental structure, commonly known as the hero’s journey.

Key Works:

1. “Poetics” by Aristotle: Aristotle’s exploration of dramatic structure remains a cornerstone in narrative theory, influencing discussions on plot development and unity.
2. “Narrative Discourse” by Gérard Genette: Genette’s work provides a nuanced examination of narrative structures, introducing terms like analepsis and prolepsis to analyze temporal aspects of storytelling.
3. “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” by Joseph Campbell: Campbell’s influential work outlines the hero’s journey, a narrative template that transcends cultural boundaries and has become a pervasive concept in storytelling.

Central Arguments:

1. Structural Unity: Theorists argue for the necessity of a well-defined narrative structure, asserting that a coherent plot is essential for effective storytelling.
2. Temporal Complexity: Discussions around narrative arc often delve into the manipulation of time, with theorists emphasizing the significance of flashbacks, foreshadowing, and other temporal devices in enriching narratives.
3. Universal Patterns: Campbell’s argument revolves around the universality of the hero’s journey, suggesting that certain narrative patterns are deeply ingrained in human culture and psychology, transcending cultural and temporal boundaries.

Narrative Arc: Major Characteristics

Characteristic	Explanation	Example
Exposition	Introduction of key elements, setting the stage for the story.	In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the initial chapters establish the Dursley family and Harry’s ordinary life.
Rising Action	Building tension through a series of events leading to the climax.	In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen’s preparations and experiences in the Capitol heighten the anticipation of the Games.
Climax	The narrative’s turning point, the moment of greatest intensity or conflict.	In Romeo and Juliet, the climax occurs when the two lovers take their own lives, resolving their tumultuous relationship.
Falling Action	Events following the climax, leading toward resolution.	In The Lord of the Rings, the hobbits’ return to the Shire and the final confrontation with Saruman constitute the falling action.
Resolution/Denouement	Conclusion, tying up loose ends and providing closure.	In Pride and Prejudice, the resolution involves Elizabeth and Darcy overcoming misunderstandings and marrying, bringing the story to a close.
Conflict	Central struggle or problem that propels the narrative.	In The Great Gatsby, the conflict revolves around Gatsby’s unrequited love for Daisy and his pursuit of the American Dream.
Character Development	Evolution of characters’ traits, motivations, and relationships.	In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout Finch matures and gains understanding through her father’s trial and the racism in her community.
Foreshadowing	Hints or clues about future events subtly woven into the narrative.	In Macbeth, the witches’ prophecies foreshadow Macbeth’s descent into tyranny and his eventual downfall.
Closure	Providing a sense of completeness or finality to the narrative.	In The Giver, the protagonist Jonas’ escape from the controlled society brings closure to the story’s exploration of conformity and individuality.

Narrative Arc: Relevance in Literary Theories

• Structuralism: The narrative arc is foundational to structuralist literary theory, providing a framework for understanding the interrelated elements and patterns within a narrative.
• Feminist Literary Theory: In examining the narrative arc, feminists explore how traditional story structures may reinforce or challenge gender norms, highlighting the role of women characters and their development.
• Postcolonial Literary Theory: The narrative arc is relevant in postcolonial studies as it helps analyze the depiction of cultural and historical trajectories in narratives, shedding light on power dynamics and identity.
• Reader-Response Literary Theory: The narrative arc is crucial in understanding how readers engage with texts over time, shaping their interpretations and emotional responses.
• Deconstructionist Literary Theory: Deconstructionists may interrogate the linear nature of the narrative arc, questioning its ability to encapsulate the complexities and ambiguities inherent in language and storytelling.
• Psychoanalytic Literary Theory: Psychoanalytic approaches may utilize the narrative arc to explore the development of characters and the resolution of conflicts, aligning with Freudian concepts of progression and resolution.
• Marxist Literary Theory: Marxist theorists examine how the narrative arc reflects or challenges social structures, class dynamics, and power relations, contributing to the critique of societal norms.
• Cultural Studies: Narrative arcs are central to cultural studies, providing insight into how stories shape and reflect cultural values, ideologies, and societal changes.
• Narratology: As a subfield of literary theory, narratology extensively studies narrative structures, including the narrative arc, to analyze the ways in which stories are constructed and perceived.
• Critical Race Theory: In exploring issues of race and ethnicity in literature, critical race theorists consider how the narrative arc portrays the experiences and struggles of marginalized communities, contributing to discussions on representation and identity.

The narrative arc’s relevance extends across various literary theories, offering a versatile tool for the analysis of storytelling, character development, and societal themes in literature.

Narrative Arc: Application in Critiques

1. Critique of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee:
   • Application of Narrative Arc: The narrative arc in To Kill a Mockingbird can be critiqued for its exploration of racial injustice in the American South. The exposition introduces the setting and characters, the rising action builds tension around Tom Robinson’s trial, the climax reveals the injustice, and the resolution grapples with the aftermath. A critique may examine how this arc effectively engages with social issues.
2. Critique of One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez:
   • Application of Narrative Arc: In this magical realist novel, the narrative arc spans generations and explores the cyclical nature of history. A critique could focus on how the exposition introduces the Buendía family and Macondo, the rising action weaves intricate plotlines, the climax unfolds pivotal events, and the resolution reflects on the family’s legacy. The critique may discuss the effectiveness of this unique narrative structure.
3. Critique of 1984 by George Orwell:
   • Application of Narrative Arc: Orwell’s dystopian narrative arc is crucial to the critique of totalitarianism. The exposition introduces the oppressive society, the rising action builds tension as Winston rebels, the climax reveals the extent of control, and the resolution explores the consequences. A critique might analyze how this arc effectively serves Orwell’s political and social commentary.
4. Critique of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
   • Application of Narrative Arc: The narrative arc in The Great Gatsby is essential to the critique of the American Dream. The exposition introduces the characters and the Jazz Age, the rising action builds anticipation around Gatsby’s wealth, the climax reveals the tragic consequences, and the resolution reflects on the hollowness of the dream. A critique may explore how the narrative arc contributes to Fitzgerald’s commentary on societal values.

Narrative Arc: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Narrative Arc	Overarching story structure, typically including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Exposition	Introductory portion providing essential background information.
Rising Action	Events building tension and developing central conflict.
Climax	Turning point of highest intensity in the narrative.
Falling Action	Events following the climax, leading to the resolution.
Resolution/Denouement	Final part where loose ends are tied up, and the story concludes.
Conflict	Central struggle or problem propelling the narrative.
Character Development	Evolution of a character’s traits, motivations, and relationships.
Foreshadowing	Hints or clues anticipating future events.
Closure	Sense of completeness or finality in a well-constructed narrative.

Narrative Arc: Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. Poetics. Translated by Malcolm Heath, Penguin Classics, 1996.
2. E.M. Forster. Aspects of the Novel. Harcourt, 1927.
3. Gérard Genette. Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method. Translated by Jane E. Lewin, Cornell University Press, 1983.
4. Joseph Campbell. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Bollingen Series, Princeton University Press, 1949.
5. Vladimir Propp. Morphology of the Folktale. Translated by Laurence Scott, University of Texas Press, 1968.
6. Christopher Booker. The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories. Continuum, 2004.
7. Syd Field. Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting. Delta, 2005.
8. Robert McKee. Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting. ReganBooks, 1997.
9. David Lodge. The Art of Fiction. Vintage, 1992.
10. John Gardner. The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers. Vintage, 1991.