Narrative Theory aka Literary Theory

Introduction: Narrative Theory

Narrative Theory is an analytical framework that explores the structural, thematic, and interpretative elements of storytelling within literary works.

It delves into the ways narratives are constructed, the roles of characters and plot development, and how readers engage with and interpret stories. Narrative Theory seeks to uncover the underlying principles that govern the art of storytelling, shedding light on the intricacies of narrative discourse and its impact on the meaning and reception of literary texts.

By examining the interplay between narrative elements, this critical approach enriches our understanding of how narratives function as powerful vehicles for conveying meaning, emotions, and cultural messages in literature.

Principals of Narrative Theory

Principal	Explanation	Example
Narrative Structure	– Examines the organization of stories, including beginnings, middles, and ends. – Analyzes narrative devices like plot, setting, and character development.	In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, the narrative structure follows the development of the romantic relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
Narrator and Point of View	– Investigates the role of the narrator in shaping the narrative. – Considers the reliability and subjectivity of the narrator.	In The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, the first-person narrator, Holden Caulfield, provides a subjective and unreliable perspective on his experiences.
Character Development	– Explores the growth, evolution, and complexity of characters within the narrative. – Considers how characters contribute to the thematic elements in the narrative theory of literature.	In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the character development of Scout Finch reflects her evolving understanding of racial injustice in her society.
Plot Dynamics	– Analyzes the sequence of events and their significance. – Considers the use of narrative techniques like foreshadowing and flashbacks in the narrative theory of literature.	In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the plot dynamics revolve around Jay Gatsby’s pursuit of the American Dream and its tragic consequences.
Reader Response	– Acknowledges readers’ role in constructing meaning and interpretations. – Explores emotional and intellectual engagement with the narrative in the narrative theory of literature..	In 1984 by George Orwell, reader response may vary, with some seeing it as a warning about totalitarianism while others view it as a commentary on surveillance.
Intertextuality	– Recognizes the interconnectedness of narratives with other texts and cultural references. – Examines how references enrich the narrative’s meaning.	In The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot, intertextuality is evident through references to various myths, literary works, and historical events, enhancing the poem’s complexity.
Genre and Conventions	– Studies how narratives adhere to or subvert genre conventions. – Considers genre’s impact on narrative choices and reader engagement in the narrative theory of literature.	In Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the novel blends elements of gothic fiction and science fiction, challenging genre conventions and exploring ethical dilemmas.
Meta-Narratives	– Explores narratives addressing overarching cultural or societal themes and beliefs. – Analyzes how meta-narratives reflect and challenge cultural norms in the narrative theory of literature.	In Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, the novel serves as a meta-narrative critiquing consumerism and conformity in a dystopian society.

Criticism Against Narrative Theory in Literature

1. Overemphasis on Structure: Critics argue that narrative theory places excessive emphasis on the formal structure of a story, potentially neglecting deeper thematic and cultural nuances.
2. Neglect of Authorial Intent: Some scholars contend that narrative theory often sidelines the author’s original intent and creative choices, focusing more on structural analysis.
3. Limited Cultural Scope: Critics suggest that narrative theory can be culturally biased, with a tendency to prioritize Western literary traditions, overlooking the rich narratives of non-Western cultures.
4. Reader-Centric Approach: Some argue that narrative theory’s emphasis on reader interpretation may overlook the author’s role in shaping the narrative and the intended message.
5. Inadequate Consideration of Socio-Political Context: Critics assert that narrative theory may not sufficiently account for the socio-political context in which a narrative is situated, potentially missing important socio-cultural critiques.

Examples of Narrative Theory in Literature (Critique)

1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2011):
   • Narrative Structure: The novel employs a non-linear narrative structure, jumping between different timelines and perspectives. This use of narrative theory in literature creates a sense of magic and mystery in the storytelling, aligning with theories of narrative structure.
2. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (2018):
   • Character Development: The novel explores the transformation of the protagonist, Kya Clark, from a young, isolated girl into a resilient and independent woman. This character evolution is a key aspect of narrative theory in literature concerning character development.
3. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (2019):
   • Plot Dynamics: The novel uses intricate plot dynamics and unreliable narration to keep readers engaged in solving the mystery. These narrative techniques align with the principles of narrative theory in literature regarding plot construction.
4. The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates (2019):
   • Meta-Narratives: Coates’ novel addresses themes of slavery, freedom, and memory within the broader context of African American history. It serves as a meta-narrative that reflects and challenges cultural norms, aligning with narrative theory in literature’s exploration of meta-narratives.

These examples illustrate how narrative theory in literature is applied in recent literature to enhance storytelling, character development, and thematic exploration.

Keywords in Narrative Theory

1. Narrator: The person who tells the story.
2. Point of View: The perspective from which the story is told.
3. Plot: The events that make up the story.
4. Characterization: The way a character is presented and developed in the story.
5. Time: The order and duration of events in the story.
6. Setting: The time and place in which the story takes place.
7. Closure: The sense of completeness or resolution at the end of a story.
8. Focalization: The way the narrator directs the reader’s attention to a particular character or aspect of the story.
9. Frame narrative: A story within a story.
10. Intertextuality: The relationship between a text and other texts, both literary and non-literary.

Suggested Readings

1. Booth, Wayne C. The Rhetoric of Fiction. University of Chicago Press, 1961.
2. Genette, Gérard. Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method. Translated by Jane E. Lewin, Cornell University Press, 1980.
3. Herman, David. Story Logic: Problems and Possibilities of Narrative. University of Nebraska Press, 2002.
4. Phelan, James, and Peter J. Rabinowitz. Understanding Narrative. Ohio State University Press, 2012.
5. Prince, Gerald. A Dictionary of Narratology. University of Nebraska Press, 2003.