Narrative and Identity

Studies in Narrative #1

by Jens Brockmeier (Editor)

How does narrative give shape and meaning to human life? And what special role do narratives play in identifying one as a person in the world? This book explores these questions from the vantage points of various human and cultural sciences, with special attention to the importance of narrative as expression of embodied experience, mode of communication, and form for understanding the world and ultimately ourselves. Presenting a variety of perspectives ― from narrative psychology and literary criticism, to discourse, communication and cultural theory ― these studies examine the intricacies of narrative identity construction. With contributions from some of the leading scholars in the field, the book highlights the cultural field in which narratives shape forms of life. Using verbal and pictorial, linguistic and performative, oral and written, natural and literary autobiographical texts, the studies demonstrate how the construction of selves, memories, and life-worlds are interwoven in one narrative fabric.

Genres: Narrative

314 pages, Hardcover

First published July 9, 2001

Reviews

[Luca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of articles about narrative and identity.
It presents a broad landscape of topic and points of view.
You will be captured by some articles and you will read quickly through others.

This book is for anybody interested in seeing different ways of tackling the idea of narrative and identity and maybe get some new insight and inspiration.

[Bear Wiseman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well-thought-out, well-researched book. The material is very interesting. However, it is very strictly academically written and often rather hard to follow for newcomers to the field. As I read, in spite of being interested, I found my mind drifting frequently and the effort to stay focused was exhausting. Not recommended for laypersons who have trouble with academic texts.