Chapter 4. The double-layered structure of narrative discourse and complex strategies of perspectivization
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Natalia Igl
Abstract
This chapter aims to illustrate the dynamic functioning of the recursive double-layered structure – which this volume sets as constitutive for the narrative discourse – by means of exemplary analysis of complex strategies of perspectivization in narrative texts. The focus of the chapter thus lies on the narrative macro-structure on the one hand and the relation between narrative micro- and macro-structure on the other.The key premise here is the assumption that meta-discursive strategies reveal the underlying double structure of narrative discourse, since they are based on the constitutive distance between the narrator- and character-level (cf. Chapter 1 in this volume). In order to make obvious the recursive embedding of perspectives and the crucial function of the narrator as a dynamic instance of mediation, evaluation, and perception, the chapter introduces a three-staged model of narrative communication. This model builds the foundation for two exemplary analyses of narrative texts which show a very distinct presence and manner of their respective narrator: E.T.A. Hoffmann’s Romantic-era novella The Golden Pot (orig. Der goldne Topf, 1814) and Wolf Haas’ contemporary series of detective novels.
Abstract
This chapter aims to illustrate the dynamic functioning of the recursive double-layered structure – which this volume sets as constitutive for the narrative discourse – by means of exemplary analysis of complex strategies of perspectivization in narrative texts. The focus of the chapter thus lies on the narrative macro-structure on the one hand and the relation between narrative micro- and macro-structure on the other.The key premise here is the assumption that meta-discursive strategies reveal the underlying double structure of narrative discourse, since they are based on the constitutive distance between the narrator- and character-level (cf. Chapter 1 in this volume). In order to make obvious the recursive embedding of perspectives and the crucial function of the narrator as a dynamic instance of mediation, evaluation, and perception, the chapter introduces a three-staged model of narrative communication. This model builds the foundation for two exemplary analyses of narrative texts which show a very distinct presence and manner of their respective narrator: E.T.A. Hoffmann’s Romantic-era novella The Golden Pot (orig. Der goldne Topf, 1814) and Wolf Haas’ contemporary series of detective novels.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface and Acknowledgements vii
- Introduction 1
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PART I: Cognitive-linguistic perspectives
- Chapter 1. Perspectivization as a link between narrative micro- and macro-structure 17
- Chapter 2. Presenting narration 43
- Chapter 3. Neurolinguistic view into narrative processing 63
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PART II: Literary and transmedial perspectives
- Chapter 4. The double-layered structure of narrative discourse and complex strategies of perspectivization 91
- Chapter 5. Narrator and narrative space in Middle High German epic poetry (Parzival, Ehescheidungsgespräch, Prosalancelot) 115
- Chapter 6. Seeing or meaning? 139
- Chapter 7. Pictorial narrativity 161
- Index 183
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface and Acknowledgements vii
- Introduction 1
-
PART I: Cognitive-linguistic perspectives
- Chapter 1. Perspectivization as a link between narrative micro- and macro-structure 17
- Chapter 2. Presenting narration 43
- Chapter 3. Neurolinguistic view into narrative processing 63
-
PART II: Literary and transmedial perspectives
- Chapter 4. The double-layered structure of narrative discourse and complex strategies of perspectivization 91
- Chapter 5. Narrator and narrative space in Middle High German epic poetry (Parzival, Ehescheidungsgespräch, Prosalancelot) 115
- Chapter 6. Seeing or meaning? 139
- Chapter 7. Pictorial narrativity 161
- Index 183
