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Overview of Narrative

• Definition of Narrative:

  • Refers to story-telling in both fictional and non-fictional genres, applicable to prose and poetry.

  • In literary criticism, involves consideration of the what (events, circumstances, characters) and how (presentation, sequence of events, narration style).

• Culler’s Distinction:

  • "Story": A sequence of actions/events, independent of their narration.

  • "Discourse/Plot": The discursive presentation of events (Culler 189).

Key Components of a Story

• Elements of Story:

  • Includes events, actions, settings, characters, and their circumstances.

  • All elements are interrelated; changes in character can also be main events.

• Example:

  • In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado":

    • Events involve a character leading another from the festive setting of a carnival into the somber setting of catacombs.

Study Recommendations

• These notes are intended to assist in studying short stories and novels for the unit.

• Useful for short essay and exam revision.

• Suggested to consult a dictionary or glossary for literary terms.