Nouveau Discours du récit (POETIQUE)

by Gérard Genette

Depuis la publication, en 1972, de Figures III, l'étude des structures et techniques narratives s'est largement développée dans le monde entier sur la base de ce que Gérard Genette avait proposé comme "discours du récit". Après dix ans de réflexion, l'auteur revient ici sur ses traces, proposant à la fois une relecture critique de son essai de méthode, et le bilan d'une décade de recherches en narratologie - en particulier sur le terrain crucial des rapports entre choix de mode ("point de vue") et de voix ("personne"), qui déterminent l'essentiel d'une situation narrative. Bien au-delà du modèle initial demandé à La Recherche du temps perdu, il ouvre l'enquête à tous les possibles du récit passé, présent et à venir, convaincu avec Borges que tout livre concevable, voire inconcevable, doit se trouver sur quelque rayon inconnu de l'infini littéraire. "Que vaudrait la théorie, demande-t-il, si elle ne servait aussi à inventer la pratique?" De sorte que ce Nouveau discours du récit est aussi un discours en attente de nouveaux récits : "Les critiques n'ont fait jusqu'ici qu'interpréter la littérature, il s'agit maintenant de la transformer".

Genres: Nonfiction, Literary Criticism, Theory, Literature, Reference, Writing

113 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Genette was largely responsible for the reintroduction of a rhetorical vocabulary into literary criticism, for example such terms as trope and metonymy. Additionally his work on narrative, best known in English through the selection Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method, has been of importance.[2] His major work is the multi-part Figures series, of which Narrative Discourse is a section. His trilogy on textual transcendence, which has also been quite influential, is composed of Introduction à l'architexte (1979), Palimpsests: Literature in the Second Degree (1982), and Paratexts. Thresholds of interpretation (1997).[3]
His international influence is not as great as that of some others identified with structuralism, such as Roland Barthes and Claude Lévi-Strauss; his work is more often included in selections or discussed in secondary works than studied in its own right. Terms and techniques originating in his vocabulary and systems have, however, become widespread, such as the term paratext for prefaces, introductions, illustrations or other material accompanying the text, or hypotext for the sources of the text.

Reviews

[Roof Beam Reader (Adam) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, please note that it is necessary to read Genette's "Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method" before approaching "Revisted." Genette himself called this text an addendum - it simply adds some thoughts to the original text + also responds to some of the criticisms that arose following the publication of Essay in Method.

That being said, this is an engaging, helpful and often funny addition to the original work and to the study of narratology. Those who read and enjoyed Essay in Method will want to come back to Revisited to see what Genette has to add.

[John Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woo! This is a follow-up or addendum to Narrative Discourse. It wouldn't really make sense to read this without reading the other one first. In fact, I had this book in my hands first, and then realized I needed to shop some more.
This book is clearer and elucidates some of the ideas from the first book. Genette also addresses (snarkily) a variety of critics, so it's fun to see an academic talking smack. One of his prime target is Mieke Bal. I'm actually looking forward to reading her book (hopefully) in the near future.

[Aaron · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although it's funny at times, this book is completely useless. It's just a series of nitpicky replies to critics of the first book.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review published in The French Review 58.5 (1985): 742-743.