Through works that have used the literary approach of unreliable narration, the reader is thrown in for a loop with the intention of the work using manipulation, deception and lack of clarity in the narrator's actions and its connect to reality. What the narrator says or does is all experienced throRead more
Through works that have used the literary approach of unreliable narration, the reader is thrown in for a loop with the intention of the work using manipulation, deception and lack of clarity in the narrator’s actions and its connect to reality. What the narrator says or does is all experienced through their words and as such, creates a sense of intrigue and delusion that questions the legitimacy of everything that happens. Further, using non-linear style of narration and constant contradictory statements and situations from the narrator and characters surrounding them present doubt for the readers on their reliability. For example in ‘Lolita’ by Vladimir Nabokov, Humbert Humbert presents the unreliable narrative style as his recollection of incidents is often in contradiction to how the characters behave and how they react. As such, his perception of the world he lives in comes off as askewed and confused. His efforts to percieve his situation as pitiable and demanding empathy is often contradicted by his awareness that what he does is perhaps not normal and thus, his narration becomes more so of an effort to convince the reader of his validity and righteousness.
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Literary works serve as powerful explorations of ethical dilemmas and moral questions by embedding them within narratives that unfold through characters, settings, and plots. They invite readers to engage with complex scenarios that reflect real-world challenges, offering insights into human natureRead more
Literary works serve as powerful explorations of ethical dilemmas and moral questions by embedding them within narratives that unfold through characters, settings, and plots. They invite readers to engage with complex scenarios that reflect real-world challenges, offering insights into human nature and behavior. Through these narratives, readers can observe how characters wrestle with decisions that have ethical consequences, often highlighting the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations.
By immersing ourselves in these stories, we gain empathy and understanding as we witness characters navigating moral quandaries. Whether it’s a protagonist facing a choice between honesty and personal gain, or a community grappling with justice and forgiveness, literary works illustrate the multifaceted nature of human morality. They depict the consequences of actions, the shades of moral ambiguity, and the resilience of ethical principles in various contexts.
Moreover, these narratives encourage introspection, prompting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values. They demonstrate that ethical dilemmas are rarely black and white but rather nuanced and contingent on circumstances and perspectives. Ultimately, literary works teach us about the complexities of human nature—our capacity for both good and evil, our vulnerabilities, and our aspirations for moral integrity. Through these lessons, literature fosters critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for the ethical dimensions of our choices and interactions.
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