106-257 Narrative

Note

Available as 106-357 at 3rd-year level.

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Subject Description

This subject studies both the theory and practice of narrative using a variety of literary genres from classical to postmodern, and theoretical approaches from humanist to post-structuralist. The focus will be on how narratives have developed historically, how they 'work', how we may analyse different narrative forms using a common and effective vocabulary and set of assumptions, and how we evaluate and privilege certain forms of narrative. The set texts will include epic, folktale, and a range of fictional works, including realist, modernist and popular forms. Theoretical approaches by Bakhtin, Todorov, Barthes, Genette and Brooks will be drawn upon.

Assessment

Written work of not more than 5000 words.

Prescribed Texts

Course reader available from the department.

• J Austen, Emma. Penguin.
• M Boyd, The Cardboard Crown. Lansdowne.
• G Chaucer, The Miller's Tale, The Reeve's Tale. Penguin Masters.
• I Compton-Burnett, Parents and Children. Penguin.
• C Dickens, Hard Times. Penguin.
• W Faulkner, As I Lay Dying. Penguin.
• Fleming I, Goldfinger. (or similar action novel).