logo Mon, 23 Dec 2024 10:09:08 GMT

Handbook of Narrative Analysis


Synopsis


Stories are everywhere, from fiction across media to politics and personal identity. Handbook of Narrative Analysis sorts out both traditional and recent narrative theories, providing the necessary skills to interpret any story. In addition to discussing classical theorists, such as Gérard Genette, Mieke Bal, and Seymour Chatman, Handbook of Narrative Analysis presents precursors (such as E. M. Forster), related theorists (Franz Stanzel, Dorrit Cohn), and a large variety of postclassical critics. Among the latter particular attention is paid to rhetorical, cognitive, and cultural approaches; intermediality; storyworlds; gender theory; and natural and unnatural narratology.

Not content to consider theory as an end in itself, Luc Herman and Bart Vervaeck use two short stories and a graphic narrative by contemporary authors as touchstones to illustrate each approach to narrative. In doing so they illuminate the practical implications of theoretical preferences and the ideological leanings underlying them. Marginal glosses guide the reader through discussions of theoretical issues, and an extensive bibliography points readers to the most current publications in the field. Written in an accessible style, this handbook combines a comprehensive treatment of its subject with a user-friendly format appropriate for specialists and nonspecialists alike.

Handbook of Narrative Analysis is the go-to book for understanding and interpreting narrative. This new edition revises and extends the first edition to describe and apply the last fifteen years of cutting-edge scholarship in the field of narrative theory.
 

Luc Herman, Bart Vervaeck

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction: Narrative as a Mode of Understanding

* Explains the concept of narrative and its role in shaping our experiences, knowledge, and communication.
* Example: The personal narrative of a cancer survivor who shares her story to inspire hope and understanding.

Chapter 2: Types of Narratives

* Discusses different types of narratives, including personal, fictional, historical, and scientific.
* Example: A historical narrative reconstructing the Battle of Gettysburg from multiple perspectives.

Chapter 3: Narrative Structure and Function

* Examines the elements of narrative structure, such as setting, plot, characters, and theme.
* Example: The detective fiction genre, which follows a predictable structure to create suspense and resolution.

Chapter 4: Narrative and Identity

* Explores the role of narratives in shaping personal and social identities.
* Example: The narrative of a migrant worker who reflects on his experiences and cultural heritage.

Chapter 5: Narrative and Power

* Analyzes the relationship between narratives and power dynamics, including how narratives can justify or challenge authority.
* Example: The political speeches of a charismatic leader who uses narratives to mobilize support.

Chapter 6: Narrative and Gender

* Examines the ways in which gender shapes narrative content and style.
* Example: The analysis of children's literature to explore gender stereotypes and expectations.

Chapter 7: Narrative and Culture

* Investigates the influence of culture on narrative form and meaning.
* Example: The study of indigenous myths and legends to understand cultural beliefs and values.

Chapter 8: Narrative and Social Change

* Discusses the role of narratives in promoting social change and activism.
* Example: The narrative of the civil rights movement, which inspired and galvanized support.

Chapter 9: Narrative and Health

* Examines the use of narratives in healthcare settings to improve communication, understanding, and patient outcomes.
* Example: The use of patient narratives to inform medical decision-making and build empathy between patients and healthcare providers.

Chapter 10: Narrative Analysis Methods

* Provides an overview of qualitative and quantitative methods used to analyze narratives.
* Example: The use of grounded theory to identify recurring themes and patterns in patient narratives.