The word narrative comes from the Latin word narrare, which means, "to tell."
"Narratives through the means of oral storytelling have been part of every culture of humans that have ever had verbal communication. Narratives through the means of oral storytelling were important to reinforce moral lessons for a culture, pass down history and traditions, and shared values and norms. Narratives were also a means of entertainment and have helped people in every age develop a sense of identity, deepen their understanding of human psychology, and make meaning of life." http://www.literarydevices.com/narrative/
4. Plot/Narrative
The plot is the sequenced storyline that the writer or playwright develops.
- Narratives may be linear (chronological), flashbacks or prophetic.
- The plot comprises various event or sub-plots, all of which are intertwined and are usually resolved in the climax or conclusion of the work.
- The unfolding of the plot is referred to as the denouement.
- The writer's ability to create emotions such as excitement, curiosity, suspense or romance will ensure a credible plot.
5. Themes and Sub-Themes
Themes are the main ideas of literary works e.g. love, ambition or war.
- Themes convey the message or messages of the writer and may contain his beliefs and opinions.
- The main themes are often introduced in the opening sequence of the work and this is known as the exposition.
- Themes are sometimes conveyed figuratively. They will then be revealed and may only be understood with an in-depth study.
- If the main or common theme was 'the supernatural', the sub-themes might include water, blood or fire. The sub-themes would then be symbolic.
- Symbolism is, therefore, the substitution of a concrete image for an abstract idea.
6. Style
The Style is the manner in which the work has been written, so as to achieve the writer or the speaker's purpose.
- Writers develop individual styles.
- The style is created and developed by diction (word choice) and language usage.
- The style may be literal or figurative, formal or informal (colloquial), detailed or concise, simple or verbose.
- Styles differ depending on the use of the first or third person (narrative point of view).
Style is dependent on:
- the purpose of the work - a textbook would differ in style from a novel
- the setting - the time and place in which the work occurs
- the audience (readership) for which the work is intended
(The style of a Charles Dickens novel differs radically from that of Roald Dahl.)
Tone
The Tone is the manner in which the author expresses himself or herself.
- Tone conveys the emotions, underlying feelings and attitude of the writer. This is important through a choice of vocabulary, especially in direct speech, sentence length and punctuation.
- The tone may be described as friendly, sharp, sarcastic, ironic, angry, humorous or condescending.
(What tone would the author use if he were to read his work out loud?)
8. Mood/Atmosphere
Mood/atmosphere is the pervading feeling that the reader experiences.
It is created by the author through various language devices and through his tone.
Register
Register is the appropriateness of style, tone, and word choice.
- Word choice and language usage will differ e.g. between children, teenagers and adults.
- Register depends on the type of writing, its purpose, the setting and the audience.
Intention/Purpose
Intention is the purpose behind the work.
- The intention may be to entertain, inform or educate. A combination of the three may be present.
- The success of the literary work depends, to a large extent, on whether this intention has been met.
11. Comparative Literature/Intertextual Reading
It is possible to compare and contrast all aspects of literature.
- The comparison and contrast may be within one literary work or between different literary works.
- This analysis is referred to as intertextual reading.
- Allusion and Appropriation are examples of intertextuality.
- This interesting exercise forces you to focus and extends your ability to think laterally.
Sources:
http://www.literarydevices.com/narrative/
English Frammar: Literature: EBH Joubert
