Discrepancy between Fabula and Story in Shafak’s Honour: An Investigation into the Narratological Practices

Authors

  • Fariha Chaudhary Assistant Professor, Department of English, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
  • Umair ijaz PhD Researcher, Department of English, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14582969

Keywords:

Shafak, Honour, Narratology, Mieke Bal, Retroversion

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the use of narrative techniques by Shafak in her novel Honour (2012). The primary focus is devoted to the various ways in which the ‘story’ and the ‘fabula’ of this novel differ from each other and to highlight the author’s intent behind this discrepancy.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The chosen theoretical lens is that of Bal (2017, 2021) in the post-classical tradition of narratology.

Findings: It has been found that Shafak possesses astute narratological acumen and tactfully distinguishes the underlying fabula from the story. She introduces many manipulations/operations on the fabula such as external and internal retroversion, anticipations, embedding achronies, multiple focalizations, temporality, Implications/Originality/Value: In this way, the linear progression of events in the fabula is rearranged to break this linearity and the desired narrative effect is the arousal of interest in the reader. The resultant story not only becomes gripping but also helps to understand the motives and psyche behind the actions of the various characters thus shaping of the perception by the readers.

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Published

2024-12-31

How to Cite

Chaudhary, F., & ijaz, U. (2024). Discrepancy between Fabula and Story in Shafak’s Honour: An Investigation into the Narratological Practices. Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, 44(4), 651-660. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14582969