Introduction to Narrative

AS and A Level Religious Studies & Philosophy

Matthew Peet

Introduction to Narrative

Question: Choose three of the following concepts. For each of the three, examine in the light of that concept a passage from a text studied on the unit. You should choose three different passages from the three different texts.

beginning
point of view
allegory
showing and telling

My essay will analyse:-

Allegory - ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ by John Bunyan

Beginning - ‘Robinson Crusoe’ by Daniel Defoe

Point of view – ‘Pamela’ by Samuel Richardson

‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ by John Bunyan is the most famous allegory in the history of English literature. Lodge describes allegory as

‘A specialised form of symbolic narrative, which does not merely suggest something beyond its literal meaning, but insists on being decoded.’

Bunyan employs several linguistic techniques to convey the spiritual message of his narrative. The names of the characters blatantly represent their religious beliefs with names such as ‘Christian’ and ‘Mr Worldly- Wiseman.’ This simple personification of the characters conveys that Bunyan’s aim is to produce a simple narrative that portrays his own Christian beliefs. The novel sees ‘Christian’ on a journey towards salvation as he overcomes the many obstacles he encounters. When ‘Christian’ meets ‘Mr Worldly- Wiseman’ he attempts to convince him that a man is weak if they listen to the teachings of the bible and that he should not have adhered to the advice of the stranger even though this is the two’s first meeting. The fact that allegory is a reference not only to names but to morals and ideology is evident as this seemingly ‘wise’ character hopes to tempt ‘Christian’ with an easier route to heaven, ‘Christian’ is easily persuaded as the character seems kind and neighbourly but actually is hoping to trap ‘Christian’ and lead him astray. ‘Christian’ must be aware that the devil can appear in any disguise, as man must be tempted from the right path. ‘Christian’ becomes aware that ‘Worldly- Wiseman’ when troubles arise at Mount Sinai, it is the Evangelist the Christian preacher who comes to his rescue and offers ‘Christian’ a safe passage in exchange for repentance of the sin of submitting to temptation. Bunyan conveys the importance of paying penance when a sin has been committed and that God will forgive those who are sorry.

Lodge describes the beginning of a novel as

‘A threshold, separating the real world we inhabit from the world the novelist has imagined. It should therefore, as the phrase goes ‘draw us in’.

This is a preview of the whole essay

Lodge describes the beginning of a novel as

‘A threshold, separating the real world we inhabit from the world the novelist has imagined. It should therefore, as the phrase goes ‘draw us in’.

Defoe’s opening is not particularly dramatic so much so that in the film adaptation of the novel it is missed out completely. It does however ‘draw us in’ as the character of ‘Robinson Crusoe’ is developed; we are told how Crusoe’s father was an immigrant who settled into a new country establishing a home and career. After further reading we are able to look back and compare Robinson Crusoe to his father, they both needed to escape, to find a new life. We are never made aware why his father left Germany, but his bravery and adventurous nature was obviously inherited by his son. The beginning shows a young ‘Crusoe’ desperately seeking an identity, he is rebellious and unsettled striving to break free. He has no trade or profession and embraces the notion of travel without much care for the danger that could prevail.

‘Crusoe’ is offered an easy life by his father who wants to protect his son but he demonstrates his strong will by refusing to stay at home. These examples of toughness and determination add to the realism of his resilient nature later in the novel. When his father’s attempts to talk him round fail, he resorts to the power of God saying that ‘God would not bless you’. His father having already lost two sons is desperate to keep his third son safe. ‘Crusoe’ is aware of his father’s plight yet still sets sail. By creating a father son conflict Defoe has accentuated his central character’s willpower,

‘Crusoe’ is prepared to disobey his father in his quest for individuality. As we read the beginning of the novel we are unknowingly given an insight to the complexity of the character of ‘Crusoe’.

The importance of point of view when reading a novel is highlighted in ‘Pamela’ by Samuel Richardson. Pamela is an epistolary novel, the letters are written from Pamela to her parents. The specific features of the epistolary novel are employed to focus on Pamela’s character as ‘Mr B’ pursues her virginity. If she was to succumb to his advances she would loose the only thing that she has that is of value, her virtue. Virtue could be seen as worthless to a woman of her status, she is only a mid-servant and has no aristocratic background or high- ranking family. Due to this the reason behind ‘Pamela’s’ resolve is often brought into question. Does she guard her virtue like a woman above her status because she is more knowing than she wants us to believe? ‘Pamela’ is aware her virtue is a commodity, the only thing she owns and she is not going to give it away. It is apparent then that the reader knows only the details that ‘Pamela’ writes in her letters. We are made aware of her fears and vulnerability but it is possible she decides not to reveal her true strategy.

Lodge comments

‘The choice of the point(s) of view from which the story is told is arguably the most important single decision a novelist has to make, for it fundamentally affects the way readers will respond emotionally and morally to the fictional characters.’

This applies particularly in ‘Pamela’ as it is a first person narrative it is easy to read Pamela’s words as the truth rather than come to our own conclusions.

In conclusion in my brief analysis of these three aspects of narration I have learnt a great deal about the complexities of the novel. There are endless components in the construction of a successful narrative and I must learn to appreciate the power they can have on the reader.