Narrative Structures of 1984

Narrative Structures of 1984

1. Linear Plot

   • Plot is in chronological order - doesn't skew
   • Aristotle: Protasis (introduction), Epitasis (main action develops), Catastasis (end - action heightens and unravels) ....relay to Part 1, 2, and 3
   • Allows the reader to identify common features within an unfamiliar world

2. Non-Linear

   • Foreshadowing; gives a look into the future and acts as a continuum for the time
     • Julia's desire to clean behind the frame, talk of 'Room 101' - instantly gives the reader an idea to the direction of the plot.
     • Encourages questioning
     • Highlights difference between insider's perspective and an external perspective
   • Flashback (analepsis); transition to an earlier event that interrupts the chronological order of the plot
   • Orwell allows his reader to become more familiar with Winston's POV and the world in which the party rules over, and the world before the regime came into play
   • Shows how Winston changed (cares for his actions) and yet remains the same
     • Selfish when it comes to helping himself or others

3. Omniscient

   • Third person perspective makes the reader think that the narrator is aware of everything occurring
     • Later find it is not 100% omniscient
     • Makes us believe we have a wider understanding of the world
   • Effect heightened by the fact it is a detached observer narrative

4. Limited Third Person

   • Only one perspective - narrator latches onto one character; tells the story through their thoughts/actions
   • Only see external actions of other characters - not internal thoughts
   • Orwell makes this more obvious towards the middle/end
     • Highlights the idea that we should question everything - even what we think we already know

5. Unreliable Narrator

   • Narrator's credibility is compromised
   • Winston's perspective can be seen as flawed - biased and changes at time
   • Reader is viewing the world in the typical way someone living under the Party's regime would
     • Forced to accept what is being said due to no other information being available
     • Internally doubting the truth/reality

6. Stream of Consciousness

   • Diary extract
   • Not concerned with chronological events
   • Rambling Style
   • Not intended to be read - word order skewed, missing punctuation

7. Free indirect Discourse

   • Focuses on thoughts and feeling

8. Circular

   • Winston starts off obeying and ends up in the same position
     • Rebellious attitude in the middle isn't the final attitude
     • Comes back further - not obeying but loving
   • Motifs continue throughout