Publications and Scholarly Works of the Department of Persian Language and Literature

In this volume, Monika Fludernik, with the scholarly rigor and meticulousness befitting a distinguished researcher, endeavors to present practical examples alongside the explication of narratological theories. This integration of theory and practice distinguishes the book from other existing works in the field. Her depth of insight and precision clearly elucidate the framework and structure of narrative research for the reader. A pivotal aspect of her work is the robust nexus she establishes between linguistics, stylistics, and narratology. The book comprises twelve chapters: "Narrative and Narrating," "Narrative Theory," "Text and Authorship," "The Structure of Narrative," "The Language of Narrative," "Realism, Illusionism, and Metafiction," "Speech Representation and the Stylistics of Narrative," "Thoughts, Feelings, and the Unconscious," "Narrative Typologies," "Diachronic Approaches to Narrative," "Practical Application," and "Guidelines for Novice Narratologists."
Throughout all chapters, theoretical discussions are accompanied by examples of practical criticism to further clarify the concepts. Furthermore, an entire chapter is dedicated exclusively to practical criticism, which is highly beneficial for a deeper mastery of narrative analysis. The final chapter offers valuable guidance for novice researchers in narratology, illuminating common obstacles and pitfalls to ensure they are avoided. Given the current state of narrative scholarship in our academic community—often characterized by a quantity-over-quality approach, superficial readings (under-reading or over-reading), and the mechanical superimposition of theory onto text—this chapter is of paramount importance. Unfortunately, the methodology of applying theory to textual analysis remains a significant pathology in our contemporary literary research, with narratology being disproportionately affected. In this section, Fludernik offers recommendations based on the preceding discussions and introduces excellent resources, including books, journals, and electronic databases. Another noteworthy feature apparent to the reader is Fludernik’s academic integrity and scrupulous referencing; whenever a term is borrowed, the source is immediately cited parenthetically. These details, beyond demonstrating Fludernik’s unique intellectual capacity, reflect her caution and commitment to avoiding any accusation of plagiarism or academic dishonesty. Consequently, in addition to the valuable content, Fludernik’s research methodology serves as an exemplary model for scholars conducting their own research.