Options
Fantaisie d’une voix narrative: Héliodore
2006-08-22T07:16:27Z
Abstract
One of the characteristics of the ancient novel is the imaginary universe in which it takes place, set in remote or indefinite time, and in strange or exotic landscapes. This mental journey furnished by the novel to the readers is mediated by the narrative voice, which leaves some traces in the story. The expression «fantasy of a narrative voice» will be understood in a double meaning: the imagery which the narrative voice creates from the narrated world, and the image of itself which it creates. How does the narrator explain his imaginary world to readers who are absent or distant from it? How can he transform the readers into witnesses of the story? And how, at the same time, can he leave a mark of his presence, even of his narrative act? With the aid of some examples, we will try to grasp the process which the narrative voice employs in order to create the phantasia of the narrated world and that by which this world is narrated.