Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
reflective
It's not as if this book has a lot in it to surprise-- I think most people who come to it know what they are getting into, a famously "systematic" take on narrative theory, with a share of complicated symbols, etc. But despite some sort of short-sighted statements, like the claim that a narrative is a among other things, a text with a first and last word, this is a remarkably durable book, and one that seems at least open to the possibility that readers process texts as they go along, not only at the end.... this is important to me, at least, and not only because I think it really reflects the process of reading anything longer than Poe's famous one-hour short story.
I like, too, the way that Bal dispenses with that sort of ludicrous when you think about it claim that stories are consistent in their point of view. Or that they should be.
Really, a wonderful book that is, if anything, even more revolutionary than she thinks.
Matt
I like, too, the way that Bal dispenses with that sort of ludicrous when you think about it claim that stories are consistent in their point of view. Or that they should be.
Really, a wonderful book that is, if anything, even more revolutionary than she thinks.
Matt
Lots of valuable information about focalization and external/character-bound narrators in the 'Story' section of the book (pretty much 1 of the 3 sections) that was very helpful and clearly explained. Application to visual art that was very thorough but in a constructive way. Some parts of the 'Fabula' section seemed either rushed through or redundant from the 'Story' section. Too many disclaimers about the potential orthodoxy of structuralism throughout the book. Having said that, I've read this twice.
informative
slow-paced
challenging
informative
slow-paced
informative
medium-paced
challenging
inspiring
slow-paced
informative
slow-paced
A really good introduction to narratology, encompassing many already established concepts and scholars and bringing them in relation with each other. The book is structured very well and lots of examples help to understand the technical terms and divisions that Bal proposes. Definitely a book dense with information but a good choice if you are interested in the academic approach of narratology.
Although a bit dense and difficult to read at times, this is overall an intriguing introduction to narratology. A lot of useful theory for reading and analyzing texts.
Was very useful for my thesis, but I am unlikely to read it again.