Define Narrative Technique and Structure.

Ans.

Introduction

Aristotle is supposed to be the first and foremost critic to offer a consistent canon of criticism. Speaking about tragedy he gives the essential elements of tragedy which are the following:

1. Plot, which is the raw material for drama also applies to the novel. Aristotle tells about the plot that it is the soul of drama, character comes next to it.

2. The second essential element is character, who suffers the plot and enacts the role in his different capacities.

3. The third element is the dialogue, the speech in which one character holds communion with the other.

4. The fourth element is the diction.

5. The fifth element is the melody and the sixth is the spectacle. The same criteria is also applicable to the novel. W. H. Hudson puts the following as the essential elements of the fiction. In his own words:

Plot, characters, dialogue, time and place of action, style and stated or tempted philosophy of life. These are the chief elements entering into the composition of any work of prose fiction, small or great, good or bad.

Definition of the Narrative: According to one critic, the term narrative used as a noun means a tale or a story. It is recital of facts or the experience of the narrator earned from history learnt from a third person. Technique means ‘the technical skill in art.” So, the narrative technique in fiction is mechanical skill to carry on the tale which the novelist has to narrate.

The Mechanism of the Narrative Technique: As already pointed out plot is the first element in the novel. By plot we mean the tale, we have to describe in the fiction. The tale forms the plot of the novel. The only difference between the story and plot is that story is a series of incidents, and episodes that happen in the novel. The plot is also the story proper but in it the incidents are inter connected. The one is the cause for the other. For example if a courtier goes wrong, he gets punishment. The punishment therefore is the result of the wrong done. In the same manner the neglect of duty may be one of the causes of the dismissal or termination from employment.

The Plot Interest: A plot varies according to time and circumstance. It also varies from writer to writer Scott’s interest in the fiction is based on history. Jane Austen’s interests are based on domestic problems of love and marriage. Dickens, interests lie on the characterization of the Victorian life but the plot interest is the main factor in all fictions. The plot interest depends upon the narrative technique. The novelist has to frame a story on which the plot stands. So, the selection of the raw material is the most important factor. He has therefore, to look to the mass of the society for whom he is writing. In this connection he has to confine himself within the field. This is his first relation with the world. He should not go beyond, the world he is going to describe.

Problem of the Narrative Technique: The first and foremost problem of the narrative technique is the problem of narrating the story of the plot. The novelist can adopt anyone of the following three methods:

1. The direct method of narrating the story. Under this method the novelist describes the story directly.

2. The second method is the autobiographical method. Under it the writer relates his own story through himself. The story begins with the pronoun ‘I’ who is the main protagonist.

3. The third method is the epistolary method. Under this method the story is related through letters. Another problem of the plot construction is the writer’s point of view. A novelist has to narrate the story in such a manner as he may adjust the novelist’s point of view into his novel. He may adopt two methods. This philosophy of life may be conveyed through one of his characters into the novel. He can adopt another method to adjust his philosophy of life into the plot through himself directly.

The Problem of Humour and Pathos: Another problem of the narrative technique is the creation of humour and pathos. Humour accounts for the joy and entertainment of the readers, which is one of main objects of the novelist and purpose of the novel. There are some novelists who are apt in producing humour. There are some who are apt in producing pathos. They depict a painful situation with apt skill there are some novelists who have got the art of producing a balanced description of humour and pathos both.