Etymologically, narratology is a theory of narrative. Due to the popularization of the term by structuralist critics such as Gérard Genette and Mieke Bal in the 1970s, “the definition of narratology has usually been restricted to structural, or more specifically structuralist, analysis of narrative”. But in the 1980s and 1990s, the early structuralist analysis was to some extent neglected by poststructuralists. On one hand, they were “against the scientific and taxonomic pretensions of structuralist narratology”; on the other hand, they “open up new lines of development for narratology in gender studies, psychoanalysis, readerresponse criticism and ideological critique”. Now, narratology reverts to “the original structuralist core of the discipline”.
Dubliners is a collection of fifteen short stories which depict Irish people of middle- and lowerclass in the early twentieth century. As James Joyce said, “my intention was to write a chapter of the moral history of my country and I chose Dublin for the scene because that city seemed to me the centre of paralysis. […] I seriously believe that you will retard the course of civilization in Ireland by preventing the Irish people from having one good look at themselves in my nicely polished lookingglass”. Joyce makes use of “great skill both of observation and of technique” to present us an Irish society. According to Gerald Gould, “he [Joyce] has an original outlook, a special method, a complete reliance on his own powers of delineation and presentment”. Through the exploration into Joyce’s narratological techniques in Dubliners, we will have a better understanding of the series.
Based on this hypothesis, I will divide my term paper into three parts. First, I will build the theoretical framework. Three aspects are to be focused on: narrative, narrator, and point of view. Then I will analyze “Araby” - one of fifteen short stories in Dubliners, in terms of narrator and point of view, and illustrate how these narrative techniques contribute to emphasis of the paralysis and epiphany. Last but not least, I will make a comprehensive conclusion about my investigation of the narratology of “Araby”.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Theoretical Framework: Narratology
- Narrative
- Narrator
- Point of View
- Omniscient Point of View
- Limited Point of View
- Camera Point of View
- Narrator and Point of View in "Araby"
- Conclusion
- Works Cited
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work aims to investigate the narratology of James Joyce's short story "Araby." It seeks to analyze the narrative techniques employed by Joyce, focusing on the narrator and point of view to understand their impact on the story's overall effect.
- Narrative structure and techniques in "Araby"
- The role and characteristics of the narrator
- Analysis of point of view and its effect on the reader's experience
- The relationship between narrative elements and thematic concerns
- Application of narratological theory to literary analysis
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This chapter likely provides an overview of the study's objectives, methodology, and the significance of analyzing the narratology of James Joyce's "Araby." It sets the stage for the subsequent chapters by introducing the central argument and the theoretical framework that will guide the analysis. It may also provide background information on "Araby" itself, situating it within Joyce's broader oeuvre and highlighting its importance in literary history.
Theoretical Framework: Narratology: This section establishes the theoretical foundation for the analysis. It delves into key narratological concepts, defining terms like narrative, narrator, and point of view. Different types of point of view (omniscient, limited, camera) will be explored in detail, explaining their characteristics and implications for interpreting a text. The chapter likely provides examples to illustrate these concepts, preparing the reader for their application in the subsequent analysis of "Araby."
Narrator and Point of View in "Araby": This chapter forms the core of the study, applying the narratological framework established in the previous chapter to Joyce's "Araby." It meticulously analyzes the story's narrative structure, identifying the narrator's characteristics, and examining the chosen point of view. This section likely discusses how the narrative voice contributes to the story's themes, atmosphere, and overall impact on the reader. The analysis will likely show how choices in narration shape the reader's understanding of the protagonist's experiences and emotions.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
James Joyce, "Araby," Narratology, Narrative, Narrator, Point of View, Omniscient, Limited, Camera, Literary Analysis, Short Story, Narrative Technique.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analyzing Narratology in James Joyce's "Araby"
What is the purpose of this academic work?
This academic work aims to analyze the narratological aspects of James Joyce's short story "Araby." It focuses on the narrative techniques, specifically the narrator and point of view, to understand their impact on the story's overall meaning and effect on the reader.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis of "Araby"?
The analysis explores the narrative structure and techniques in "Araby," the role and characteristics of the narrator, the impact of point of view on the reader's experience, the relationship between narrative elements and thematic concerns within the story, and the application of narratological theory to literary analysis.
What narratological concepts are examined in the study?
The study delves into core narratological concepts such as narrative, narrator, and point of view. It examines different types of point of view, including omniscient, limited, and camera point of view, detailing their characteristics and implications for interpreting the text. The analysis demonstrates how these concepts apply to a literary work.
How is the analysis of "Araby" structured?
The analysis is structured into several key chapters: an introduction outlining the study's objectives and methodology; a theoretical framework chapter explaining key narratological concepts; a central chapter dedicated to applying these concepts to a detailed analysis of the narrator and point of view in "Araby"; and finally, a conclusion and works cited section.
What is the significance of the narrator and point of view in "Araby"?
The analysis highlights how the narrator's characteristics and the chosen point of view significantly contribute to the story's themes, atmosphere, and overall impact on the reader. It shows how these narrative choices shape the reader's understanding of the protagonist's experiences and emotions.
What are the key takeaways from the chapter summaries?
The introduction provides context and sets the stage. The theoretical framework chapter lays the foundation for understanding narratology. The core chapter on "Araby" applies the theoretical framework to analyze the story's narrative techniques. This reveals how choices in narration shape reader understanding and interpretation.
What keywords best describe the content of this academic work?
Key terms include: James Joyce, "Araby," Narratology, Narrative, Narrator, Point of View, Omniscient, Limited, Camera, Literary Analysis, Short Story, and Narrative Technique.
What is the overall approach to the analysis of "Araby"?
The study uses a structured and professional approach, applying established narratological theory to a detailed analysis of James Joyce's "Araby." It aims to provide a comprehensive and insightful understanding of the story's narrative techniques and their contribution to its overall meaning.
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- Nan Liu (Autor:in), 2014, An Investigation into the Narratology of James Joyce's "Araby", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/282211
