Lesson 20. The Narratee, and Other Loose Ends│The Mechanics of Fiction Writing

Understanding the Layers of Narrative

The Concept of Narratees and Telepathy in Narrative

• The narratee is identified as the listener of the narrator, which raises questions about whether this refers to the reader.

• The speaker expresses a conflict between their writer's instinct to avoid discussing narratees and their narrative theorist side that finds it somewhat relevant.

• Some theorists focus on cognitive connections between authors and readers, exploring layers of understanding that exist in narrative communication.

The Spectrum of Telepathy in Storytelling

• The author positions themselves as the "ultimate transmitter" while readers are seen as "ultimate receivers," highlighting a telepathic connection through text.

• An "implied reader" concept emerges, representing the author's assumptions about who the reader might be based on their writing context.

• The idea of an "implied author" is introduced, reflecting how readers perceive the author based on textual clues and personal interpretations.

Layers Within Narrative Structure

• A fictional game analogy illustrates multiple layers: Author → Implied Author → Narrator → Characters → Narratee → Implied Reader → Reader.

• Discussion shifts to how narrators communicate with a fictional audience (the narratee), separate from real-world readers, complicating narrative dynamics.

Importance of Understanding Narrative Posture

• Recognizing these layers can clarify why certain narratives adopt specific postures or address particular audiences within storytelling contexts.

• Examples like epistolary stories illustrate how letters can create tension when intercepted by unintended characters, affecting narrative outcomes.

Implications for Character Interaction and Purpose

• Specific storytelling situations may require narrators to engage directly with implied characters or audiences for clarity in purpose and message delivery.

Narrative Techniques and Their Impact

Understanding the Role of the Narrator

• The narrator's situation and motivation are crucial for interpreting a story, as seen in works like Tolkien's where the narratee is less significant.

• A simultaneous narrator, who tells the tale as it unfolds, creates a sense of immediacy that can enhance reader engagement.

The Historical Present Tense

• Using present tense to describe past events is known as "the historical present," which adds a layer of immediacy to storytelling.

• This linguistic convention is common in conversation but can confuse readers in written narratives if not handled carefully.

Challenges with Narrative Techniques

• Writers often adopt a simultaneous narrative posture to create immediacy; however, this does not always guarantee effectiveness.

• Marie-Laure Ryan notes that continuous presence can lead to invisibility in narrative techniques, diminishing their impact over time.

Common Pitfalls for Young Writers

• New writers may overuse specific punctuation or stylistic devices (e.g., ellipses), leading readers to ignore them eventually.

• Truman Capote’s early work exemplifies this issue; excessive use of ellipses diluted their intended dramatic effect by the end of his stories.

Reader Adaptation and Its Implications

• Readers adapt to a writer's style over time, which helps maintain engagement but can also obscure important narrative elements if they become too familiar.

Understanding Narrative Techniques in Writing

The Use of Ellipses and Pauses

• The speaker suggests reducing the frequency of ellipses in text, particularly where dramatic pauses are not critical.

• Emphasizes the importance of varying narrative forms to convey significant moments effectively, enhancing reader engagement.

Exploring the Historical Present

• Introduces the concept of historical present through Chief's narration in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest," noting its initial effectiveness but eventual normalization for readers.

• Acknowledges that while this technique can draw readers into a story quickly, it may lose its impact over time.

Implementing Tense Shifts

• Raises questions about how to effectively use tense shifts to create immediacy without confusing readers.

• References John Cheever’s “The Country Husband” as an exemplary case study for analyzing narrative techniques.

Analyzing Cheever's Storytelling

• Describes the opening scene of "The Country Husband," highlighting how suspense is established early on with ominous weather conditions during a flight.

• Notes that Cheever uses vivid descriptions and humor even in dark situations, such as a plane crash where everyone survives.

Character Dynamics and Tension

• Discusses the portrayal of suburban life through detailed descriptions of Francis Weed's home environment, setting up expectations before subverting them.

• Illustrates family dynamics at dinner, showcasing tension between Francis and his children amidst chaos following his near-death experience.

Understanding Narrative Techniques in Cheever's Work

The Chaos of Family Dynamics

• Cheever captures the chaotic atmosphere of a family dinner, likening it to a plane crash, using the historical present tense to enhance this sense of disorder. This technique contrasts sharply with the narrative style that precedes it.

• The narrator faces a challenge after immersing readers in the historical present; they must transition back without losing narrative momentum or drawing attention to the shift. This requires skillful manipulation of narrative techniques.

Transitioning Between Narrative Styles

• As Francis steps away from the chaos into a garden for reflection, Cheever subtly shifts back to descriptive narration, echoing earlier passages about the Weeds' living room. This transition is crucial for maintaining reader engagement and coherence in storytelling.

• The description of the garden serves as a bridge back to earlier narrative styles, allowing readers to reorient themselves without overtly noticing the change in perspective or time frame. Cheever’s craft lies in this seamless transition.

Mastery of Narrative Techniques

• Cheever employs advanced narrative strategies akin to a "cat burglar," skillfully navigating between different temporal perspectives while keeping readers engaged and unaware of these transitions until they are pointed out. This highlights his mastery over narrative form and structure.

• Great writers like Cheever utilize such techniques consistently throughout their work, making them essential tools for aspiring authors who wish to understand and replicate effective storytelling methods in their own narratives. Understanding these concepts can significantly enhance one's writing skills and comprehension of literature.

Learning from Literary Masters