Essays in Narrative and Fictionality: Reassessing Nine Central Concepts

This book explores the role of the author, implied authors, the model for unnatural narrative theory, the nature of narrative, and the ideological implications of narrative forms. It also examines the status of historical characters in fictional texts, realism, multiple implied readers, the role of actual readers, and the question of fictionality. It argues for a more expansive conception of narrative theory and pays close attention to the nature and difference of fiction.

Format: Hardback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing

This comprehensive volume brings together a collection of seminal essays on fundamental themes in narrative studies and the theory of fictionality, authored by one of the foremost figures in postclassical narrative theory. It undertakes a thorough reevaluation and reimagining of the author's role, the status of implied authors, the framework for unnatural narrative theory, the essence of narrative, and the ideological implications of various narrative forms. Furthermore, it delves into the dynamics of historical characters within fictional narratives, the complexities of realism, the existence of multiple implied readers, the role of actual readers, and the question of fictionality itself. Additionally, an appendix provides a valuable teaching approach to narrative theory. The book encompasses analyses of works by renowned authors such as Conrad, Joyce, Woolf, Nabokov, Beckett, Jeanette Winterson, Deborah Eisenberg, and others. Throughout, it advocates for a broader perspective on narrative theory and a keen awareness of the unique qualities and distinctions of fiction. This thought-provoking book makes significant contributions to ongoing critical dialogues in narrative theory, literary theory, and the theory of fictionality, and is an indispensable resource for students of narrative.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 151 x 212 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781527567481
Edition number: Unabridged ed