Narrative Theory in Literature

Introduction to Narrative Theory

Narrative Theory, as a literary theory, examines storytelling structures and their significance in English studies. It analyzes plot, character development, point of view, and narrative discourse to understand how narratives shape reader experiences and meanings.

By exploring narrative forms and techniques, Narrative Theory offers valuable insights into the profound impact of storytelling on culture, cognition, and human communication, making it a crucial tool for literary scholars and critics in English studies.

Etymology and Meanings of Narrative Theory

Etymology of Narrative Theory:

• The term “narrative” derives from the Latin word narrativus, meaning “telling of a story” or “account.”
• “Theory” comes from the Greek word theoria, denoting “contemplation” or “speculation.”

Meanings of Narrative Theory:

• Study of Storytelling: It investigates the structures and elements of storytelling in literary works and other forms of communication.
• Narrative Elements: It analyzes plot, characters, point of view, and discourse to understand how narratives create meaning and engage readers.
• Impact on Culture and Cognition: It explores the profound influence of storytelling on human culture, cognition, and communication processes.
• Relevance in English Studies: It is an essential tool for literary scholars and critics, providing valuable insights into the interpretation and analysis of English literature and texts.

Narrative Theory and Narratology

Narrative Theory	Narratology
Concerned with the study of narrative	A subfield of this theory
Examines how stories are constructed	Focuses on the structure and elements of narrative
Explores storytelling and its nuances	Analyzes plot, character, setting, and more
Considers the broader aspects of narratives	Offers a narrower and more specialized perspective
Emphasizes understanding the human experience	Part of narrative theory, complementing its scope

Narrative Theory: Origin, Theorists, Works and Arguments

Origin of Narrative Theory:

• Ancient Roots: It is traced back to ancient cultures where storytelling was an integral part of oral traditions.
• Modern Development: Its formal development and recognition as a field of study began in the 20th century, particularly within literary and film studies.

Major Theorists in Narrative Theory:

• Vladimir Propp: Known for his structural analysis of folktales, Propp identified recurring character functions and narrative patterns.
• Roland Barthes: Introduced concepts like narrative codes and the distinction between story and discourse.
• Tzvetan Todorov: Explored the concept of narrative equilibrium and the dynamics of narrative disruption and restoration.
• Gerard Genette: Contributed to the analysis of narrative voice, focalization, and narrative time.
• Mikhail Bakhtin: Emphasized dialogism and the polyphonic nature of narratives.

Key Works in Narrative Theory:

• Morphology of the Folktale by Vladimir Propp (1928): Propp’s work outlined a structural analysis of Russian folktales, identifying 31 functions that characters and events often fulfill in narratives.
• S/Z by Roland Barthes (1970): In this work, Barthes deconstructed a short story by Balzac, emphasizing the multiplicity of meanings within a narrative.
• The Fantastic: A Structural Approach to a Literary Genre by Tzvetan Todorov (1970): Todorov explored the structure of fantastic narratives and the moment when the reader questions the supernatural.
• Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method by Gerard Genette (1972): Genette provided a comprehensive framework for analyzing narrative structures and their elements.
• The Dialogic Imagination by Mikhail Bakhtin (1981): Bakhtin’s work highlighted the dialogic nature of language and storytelling, emphasizing the interaction of multiple voices within narratives.

Key Arguments in Narrative Theory:

• Narrative Structure: It examines the organization and structure of stories, including their beginnings, middles, and ends.
• Narrative Voice: It explores the role of narrators and focalization, considering who tells the story and from what perspective.
• Narrative Time: Narrative theory analyzes how time is manipulated in narratives, including the use of flashbacks, foreshadowing, and temporal shifts.
• Narrative Discourse: It focuses on the language and rhetoric of storytelling, considering how narrative techniques influence interpretation.
• Character and Plot: It delves into the development of characters and plot dynamics, including character arcs and narrative conflict.
• Reader Response: It acknowledges the role of the reader in constructing meaning and engaging with narratives.
• Intertextuality: It recognizes how narratives are interconnected with other texts and cultural references.
• Meta-Narratives: Some narratives explore and challenge overarching cultural or societal narratives.

Suggested Readings of Narrative Theory

1. Barthes, Roland. S/Z. Translated by Richard Miller, Hill and Wang, 1974.
2. Bakhtin, Mikhail. The Dialogic Imagination: Four Essays. Edited by Michael Holquist, Translated by Caryl Emerson and Michael Holquist, University of Texas Press, 1981.
3. Genette, Gerard. Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method. Translated by Jane E. Lewin, Cornell University Press, 1980.
4. Propp, Vladimir. Morphology of the Folktale. Translated by Laurence Scott, University of Texas Press, 1968.
5. Todorov, Tzvetan. The Fantastic: A Structural Approach to a Literary Genre. Translated by Richard Howard, Cornell University Press, 1975.