Prose Fiction: An Introduction to the Semiotics of Narrative - cover image

Copyright

Ignasi Ribó

Published On

2019-12-12

ISBN

Paperback978-1-78374-809-9
Hardback978-1-78374-810-5
PDF978-1-78374-811-2
HTML978-1-80064-599-8
XML978-1-78374-814-3
EPUB978-1-78374-812-9
MOBI978-1-78374-813-6

Language

  • English

Print Length

158 pages (xiv+144)

Dimensions

Paperback178 x 11 x 254 mm(7" x 0.43" x 10")
Hardback178 x 14 x 254 mm(7" x 0.56" x 10")

Weight

Paperback852g (30.05oz)
Hardback1318g (46.49oz)

Media

Illustrations45

OCLC Number

1133285419

LCCN

2019452962

BIC

  • H
  • YQE
  • FYB
  • JNM
  • DSB

BISAC

  • EDU015000
  • FIC029000
  • EDU029050

LCC

  • PN212

Keywords

  • textbook
  • storytelling
  • narrative theory
  • high-school
  • college
  • literature
  • literary theory
  • creative writing
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Prose Fiction

An Introduction to the Semiotics of Narrative

This concise and highly accessible textbook outlines the principles and techniques of storytelling. It is intended as a high-school and college-level introduction to the central concepts of narrative theory – concepts that will aid students in developing their competence not only in analysing and interpreting short stories and novels, but also in writing them.

This textbook prioritises clarity over intricacy of theory, equipping its readers with the necessary tools to embark on further study of literature, literary theory and creative writing. Building on a ‘semiotic model of narrative,’ it is structured around the key elements of narratological theory, with chapters on plot, setting, characterisation, and narration, as well as on language and theme – elements which are underrepresented in existing textbooks on narrative theory. The chapter on language constitutes essential reading for those students unfamiliar with rhetoric, while the chapter on theme draws together significant perspectives from contemporary critical theory (including feminism and postcolonialism).

This textbook is engaging and easily navigable, with key concepts highlighted and clearly explained, both in the text and in a full glossary located at the end of the book. Throughout the textbook the reader is aided by diagrams, images, quotes from prominent theorists, and instructive examples from classical and popular short stories and novels (such as Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Franz Kafka’s ‘The Metamorphosis,’ J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter, or Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, amongst many others).

Prose Fiction: An Introduction to the Semiotics of Narrative can either be incorporated as the main textbook into a wider syllabus on narrative theory and creative writing, or it can be used as a supplementary reference book for readers interested in narrative fiction. The textbook is a must-read for beginning students of narratology, especially those with no or limited prior experience in this area. It is of especial relevance to English and Humanities major students in Asia, for whom it was conceived and written.

Endorsements

This book deserves to be read by anyone embarking on the thorny study of narratology. It guides the reader through a tricky welter of concepts with admirable critical aplomb and a wealth of apposite examples, ranging from the high-brow to the popular.

Professor Clive Scott

University of East Anglia

Reviews

[The book] covers a wide array of concepts necessary in introductory courses on narratology, creative writing, and literary criticism. Although available digitally (open access) through the publisher’s website, the physical book is attractively designed and worth purchasing. In short, Prose Fiction will serve as a helpful companion text in any introductory course in which students analyze, critique, or compose narratives.

J. D. Harding, Saint Leo University

CHOICE Connect (0009-4978), vol. 58, no. 1, 2020.

Additional Resources

[website]Access book reviews by course leaders

Table of Contents

About the author

Acknowledgements

Preface


1. Introduction

1.1 What Is Narrative?

1.2 Genres

1.3 Prose Fiction

1.4 Story and Discourse

1.5 Beyond Literature

Summary

References


2. Plot

2.1 The Thread of Narrative

2.2 Emplotment

2.3 Beginnings, Middles, and Ends

2.4 Conflict and Resolution

2.5 Suspense and Surprise

Summary

References


3. Setting

3.1 The World of Narrative

3.2 Topography and Atmosphere

3.3 Kinds of Setting

3.4 Description

3.5 Verisimilitude

Summary

References


4. Characterisation

4.1 The Actants of Narrative

4.2 Individuation

4.3 Kinds of Character

4.4 Representing Characters

4.5 Dialogue

Summary

References


5. Narration

5.1 The Expression of Narrative

5.2 Narrators and Narratees

5.3 Focalisation

5.4 Telling and Showing

5.5 Commentary

Summary

References


6. Language

6.1 The Style of Narrative

6.2 Foregrounding

6.3 Figures of Speech

6.4 Symbolism

6.5 Translation

Summary

References


7. Theme

7.1 The Meaning of Narrative

7.2 Identity

7.3 Ideology

7.4 Morality

7.5 Art and Politics

Summary

References


Bibliography

Illustrations

Examples of Short Stories and Novels

Glossary of Narrative Terms


Contributors

Ignasi Ribó

(author)
Lecturer in the School of Liberal Arts at Mae Fah Luang University
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7821-316X