10 Questions
What is the definition of a novel according to the Oxford English Dictionary?
A fictitious prose narrative or tale of considerable length in which characters and actions representative of real life are portrayed in a plot of more or less complexity.
How is the concept of fiction broader than the novel?
Fiction includes jokes, imitations, parodies, songs, narrative poems, legal fictions, and folk tales, among others - not limited to prose narratives.
Despite fiction being a universal presence in human lives, how does it vary across different ages and societies?
Fiction assumes different forms in different ages and societies.
Are all fictions considered novels?
No, not all fictions are novels.
What makes 'the novel' as a specific tradition distinct from other forms of fiction?
The novel is made possible by a fundamental reliance upon fiction in human society.
What are some unique features that distinguish literary fiction from other non-fictional narratives according to Dorrit Cohn?
- The distinction between story and plot is only valid for fictional narratives. 2. Narrators in fictional narratives can possess accurate insight into others' consciousness. 3. The distinction between author and narrator makes more sense in fictional texts.
Why does the distinction between story and plot not apply to non-fictional narratives according to Dorrit Cohn?
The distinction between story and plot is only valid for texts that refer to events that have occurred prior to their narrative embodiment.
What is one key aspect in which narrators in fictional narratives differ from non-fictional narratives?
In fictional narratives, narrators can have completely accurate insight into the consciousness of individuals other than themselves.
How does the distinction between author and narrator differ in fictional and non-fictional narratives?
In non-fictional narratives, the distinction between author and narrator does not hold the same significance as in fictional texts.
Why can fictions evoke real emotions and reflections even though they describe unreal events?
Fictions may produce real emotions, reflections, and altered behavior in the real world, despite describing unreal events.
Learn about the definition of a novel according to the Oxford English Dictionary and the broader concept of fiction. Explore how fiction encompasses various forms beyond prose fiction.
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