Structuralism and Narratology
These two fields are closely related. In fact, narratology is generally considered to be a branch—a highly developed branch—of structuralism.
Optional Blog Question:
What parallels or patterns in the plot, characterization, or other aspects of Heart of Darkness would seem most important to a structuralist or narratologist? How would you integrate a structural/narratological analysis with another school of criticism such as postcolonialism, feminism, or queer theory (or others) in order to make a critique of the novel?
These two fields are closely related. In fact, narratology is generally considered to be a branch—a highly developed branch—of structuralism.
Optional Blog Question:
What parallels or patterns in the plot, characterization, or other aspects of Heart of Darkness would seem most important to a structuralist or narratologist? How would you integrate a structural/narratological analysis with another school of criticism such as postcolonialism, feminism, or queer theory (or others) in order to make a critique of the novel?
posted by Jeff at
7:57 PM
2 Comments:
I'm not dead yet.
In regard to HOD and structuralism it would seem that HOD could be identified in a genre, for example travel narrative, or as Peter Brooks suggests, a detective novel, and then evaluated as a particular expression of that form with an eye toward its totality of meaning and function. Of particular interest would be the "dyadic pairing" of such elements as the Thames/Congo, Kurtz's fiance/African mistress, Africa/Europe, civilization/jungle, water/land, etc. As Barry points out, the contrasting of such elements generates specific meaning (46) and would be helpful in a Structuralist reading of the text.
In regard to Narratology, I assume that the critic would draw parallels between HOD and other stories which have a central quest that includes an extended journey to find a perceived hero. The Aristotleian concepts of hamartia, anagnorisis, and peripeteia are applicable to the story, especially in regard to Kurtz, who has the tragic flaw, that he recognizes, at least on his deathbed if not earlier, and his fall from his high station. It is a distortion of the straight use of these occurrences because they are muffled by distance and time, as well as perception. Marlow perhaps has the clearest sightline of anyone, yet it is obvious that he cannot grasp the reality of the situation. Also Genette's concern for the telling of the story is relevant, for the telling of the tale of HOD is quite muddled.
In regard to combining Structuralism or Narratology with another theory to create a critique, it would seem that combining Psychoanalytic Criticism with Narratology could yield some interesting ideas from the examination of the Aristotelian concepts and Freud, for example. Also the "telling" ideas of Genette might combine well with Psychoanalytic Criticism, especially in regard to motivation,etc. Lastly I would try to combine Postcolonialism with Structuralism in order to examine the structure of meaning that the book has especially in the era of late colonial expansion.
By
Robert Damon, at 8/09/2006 9:20 PM
Here is the link to a semiotics and advertising project that Brenna brought to our attention. I've also posted it in the Links section and the Structuralism readings.
Tom Streeter - Semiotics and Advertisements
By
Jeff, at 8/11/2006 9:57 AM
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