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Understanding Prose Themes in Fiction

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7 views4 pages

Understanding Prose Themes in Fiction

Uploaded by

Abdul Fatah
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Intrinsic Elements of Fiction Prose

Intrinsic elements in fiction prose usually we can find it inside the story itself. We
can analyze it easily because all of the facts are inside the books. It could tell about
the character, plots, setting, moral messages, scenes, etc.

 Theme

Theme is the main idea of a story. It must represent the whole part of the story as it
is a basic development of a whole story. From reading the whole story, it can be
easy to reveal the theme of the novel.
Brown and Olmsted in Language and Literature mentioned that:
The term theme is used in several different ways in literary criticism. Sometimes it
means the ‘subject’ of the work, what it is “about”. More often it refers to some
central preposition, or set of ideas, which the author presumably had in mind and
around which he built his poem or story or play (1962:222).

 Setting

William Flint Thrall and Addison Hibbard in their A Handbook to Literature said


that ”setting: the physical, and sometimes spiritual background against which the
action of a narrative (novel, drama, short story, poem) take place” (1960:413).

William Henry Hudson in his An Introduction to the Study of Literature stated that


two kinds of setting as “We may therefore distinguish two kind of setting, the
social and the material” (1913:158).
Hudson clearly described that social setting is about:
Thus we have novels of the sea and of military life; of the upper classes, the middle
classes, the lower classes: of industrial life, commercial life, artistic life, clerical
life, and so on... Frequently, of course, the local type of character is presented amid
its natural surroundings, but often its peculiarities are brought out by the device of
transplanting it into another and contrasted environment (159).

 Character and Characterization

David Bergman in The Heath Guide to Literature noted that “in fiction, the
performers of the actions are called character in which the performer may be a
person or a thing” (1992: 115).

While Thrall and Hibbard in A Handbook to Literature said that character is “a


brief descriptive sketch of a personage who typifies quality” (1960:79).

There are two kinds of character Protagonist and Antagonist. Michael Meyer
in The Bedford Introduction to Literature said that protagonist is “the central
character who engages our interest and empathy” (1990:44). He also determined
that the antagonist character is “the force that opposes the protagonist” (1960:44).
Roberts and Jacobs in Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing said that
“the protagonist to the central action, moves against an antagonist (‘the opposing
actor’) (1998:153).

Another literature critic, Laurence Perrine in Story and Structure, divides


characters into two kinds, flat and round character and dynamic and static
character. She mentioned that “flat characters are characterized by one or two
traits, they can be summed up in a sentence, and round characters are complex and
many sided” (1988:68). She also said that dynamic character “undergoes a
permanent change in some aspects of character, personality or outlook” (1988:70)

Besides character, there is also characterization. It is described as the way the


narrator describes and presents the characters in the story. Thrall and Hibbard said
that “the creation of the images of these imaginary persons so credible that they
exist for the reader as real within limits of the fiction is called characterization”
(1960:79).

 Plot

Plot is an important element of literary work. Plot is the logical interaction of the
various thematic elements of a text which lead to a change of the situation of the
story. One of the most popular parts of plot in a fiction is conflict. Without
conflict, there will be no story.

Conflict, based on the book from Perrine, Story and Structure, is “a clash of


actions, ideas, desires, or wills” (1988:42). Robert and Jacobs added that conflict is
“the controlling impulse in a connected pattern of causes and effects” (1998:105).

There is external and internal conflict in a fiction. Meyer said that external conflict
“may place the protagonist in opposition to another individual, nature, or society”
(1990:45). He also said that the internal conflict is “in such a case some moral or
psychological issue must be resolved within protagonist” (1990:45).
 Explanation of Extrinsic elements in fiction Prose

So, in general, the extrinsic element of literature was about the things that can’t
really be found inside the story itself. It wasn’t the material but the facts and
information that supports and surrounds the story. It could tell about the author;
inspiration, life experiences, etc., it could also tell about the world situation; past,
present or may be the future, and many other supporting facts.
Author’s Life
The part of author’s life also influence the settings and plot of the story. The
author’s situation or what the author was experiencing now also affect the story
making. He/she would be able to describe the storyline with details, because they
had experienced this kind of [Link] making a literary work,the author
could reflects back tohis/her [Link] is the authors life part.
Historical Background
Historical background might be described by the flow of the story. It could be
shown by a timeline too. The historical background can be the history or the past
of the setting the story was. It could also shows the development or improvement
of a certain thing or condition. Describing the historical background might also be
used to send messages to make readers realize the mistake and take action to fix
the bad record.
Cultural Background
The cultural background inside the story may also connects to the author’s life. As
for example, the author’s cultures may be mixed into the story. It might display the
life or historical event in the country or area that the author lived by. The cultural
background may also refer to the setting and plot of the story. It depends on where
the story takes scene.
Social Background
The story depends on the social background of the author. He/she would probably
wrote something that connects to the community around them. It could also be the
social problems that was happening on the world or the social organization inside a
certain country. Social background can also be used to describe a person’s
biography and how it affects their life nowadays.

Common questions

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Dynamic character development is crucial in establishing a compelling narrative arc as it involves characters undergoing significant transformations, which engage readers and enhance the story's emotional depth. Such evolution reflects realistic human experiences, allowing readers to witness growth, learn from character mistakes, and anticipate future developments. This process creates an expansive narrative range, fostering connections and empathy as readers follow characters through transformative journeys .

Cultural background in fiction provides a framework through which the plot and character development become more relatable and authentic. It influences character behaviors, value systems, and interpersonal dynamics, thereby increasing the depth and diversity in narratives. Additionally, cultural contexts can affect the story's conflict and resolution, as characters navigate and reconcile the cultural norms and expectations that shape their lives .

An author's social background often frames their perspective on societal issues, providing a lens through which they depict and critique social structures and inequalities. Authors may draw from their experiences to explore themes such as class disparity, cultural norms, or political strife, embedding these elements within their narratives to prompt reflection or inspire change regarding contemporary social issues .

Characterization influences reader engagement by creating believable and relatable characters whose experiences resonate with or intrigue the audience. By crafting characters who exhibit complex combinations of traits and evolving personalities, authors enable readers to form emotional connections and invest in the characters' journeys. Effective characterization fosters realism and helps suspend disbelief, thereby anchoring readers within the fictional world as they empathize with characters akin to real individuals .

Social settings provide context about the cultural, economic, and class environment of the characters, which can influence their behaviors, dilemmas, and growth. Material settings refer to the physical environment where the narrative unfolds. Together, these settings create a backdrop that shapes characters' interactions and conflicts, adding layers to the narrative by contextualizing events and enabling readers to immerse in or critically analyze the societal norms illustrated by the story .

The theme serves as the foundational idea around which a fictional narrative is constructed, often representing a central proposition or set of ideas that the author develops throughout the work, offering the reader deeper insight into the story's underlying messages. Unlike the subject, which refers merely to what the work is ‘about’ in a general sense, the theme encapsulates the author's intended messages or the philosophical undertones of the story .

An author's personal life and experiences often infuse authenticity and specificity into their works, as these elements can provide inspiration for theme and character settings. Through drawing from their own experiences, authors can articulate nuanced emotions and intricate settings, enriching their narratives with genuine insight that reflects real-world complexities and resonates with readers on a personal level .

Conflict is central to plot development as it introduces and escalates tensions that drive narrative movement. It creates engagements through internal struggles, such as moral dilemmas within the protagonist, or external obstacles, including antagonistic forces, societal pressures, or natural challenges. These conflicts engender change, resolutions, and character development, propelling the story forward and maintaining reader interest by offering layers of complexity that culminate in a climax and resolution .

Extrinsic elements, such as historical background, complement intrinsic elements by providing context that enriches the narrative's framework. The historical backdrop can enhance the realism and plausibility of a story, offering insights into timelines, cultural shifts, and pivotal events that influence plot trajectories and character decisions. This synergy between extrinsic and intrinsic elements allows for a narrative that is both engaging and informative, giving the reader a deeper understanding of the story's setting and its implications .

The interplay of internal and external conflict is essential for character growth. Internal conflict involves moral dilemmas and personal struggles within a character, often leading to introspection and self-reconciliation. Conversely, external conflict arises from challenges posed by other characters, society, or nature, compelling characters to respond, adapt, and innovate. The juxtaposition of these conflicts creates a crucible in which characters are tested, challenged, and ultimately transformed, offering a rich narrative landscape for profound character development .

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