Narrative+Voice+and+the+importance+of+writing

Soham you need to fill in the ideas that we discussed about why authors write in the first place __Act of Writing__ Significant aspect of the book (this point is too vague) Has been used by characters to portray their feelings (examples/evidence ?) or convey messages (examples/ evidence?) Novel has been re-constructed from Clara’s writing as well as other oral and written accounts (examples/ evidence?) References have been made to Clara’s journal and to when Clara starts writing, proving it is a significant aspect. Discuss the term 'self-conscious narrator' with reference to this point.

Examples:  ·  Clara’s journal in chapter 1: the novel starts with Clara writing ** ‘Barrabas came to us by sea’ ** (p1). This depicts that writing is a significant part of the book from the beginning.  ·  After Rosa’s death, the only way Clara communicates for the next decade, is by writing her thoughts on a slate.  ·  Writing is also a means passing on interests and hobbies as Uncle Marcos gives Clara his books to read, which inculcates a fascination for mystical aspects in her mind.  ·  Writing is also a means of preserving memories as Uncle ‘** Marcos had various travel journals in which he recorded his excursions and impressions **’ (p 17). This is also seen in the first chapter, when Clara is writing her diary.  ·  Writing is the only means of communication for Esteban Trueba and Rosa as seen in chapter 1.  ·  Esteban was rejoicing at his discovery of gold, when a letter from his sister Ferula arrived, changing his life forever, as it informed him of Rosa’s death. ** MAKE A SEPARATE SECTION FOR LETTER WRITING AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE **

__Narrative Voice__ l Three distinct voices in the novel ¡ First Person Narrative: Esteban Trueba ¡ First Person Narrative: Alba (intrusive comments) ¡ Third Person Narrative: Alba (re-constructing Clara’s diary) l The narrative voice is structured such that readers are able to gain the maximum information. This seems to be an assertion. Where is your proof?

__ Esteban Trueba’s Narrative Voice __ l Reinforces the fact that the novel has been re-constructed from family histories, oral and written accounts l Provides a different perspective on his character: Esteban’s narration is included mostly after parts when his character takes a negative turn, so as to depict him in a more positive light. l Sometimes, Esteban is ‘closest to the action’ and hence, it is apt to see the incidents from his perspective. For example, in chapter 2, Esteban is the only major character in Tres Marias, and his only version can be taken. l However, there might be some bias in his account. From his perspective, he has restored order and revitalised the land, but from the peasants’ view, he is a cruel dictator.

__Alba’s Third Person Narrative__  ·  Most of the book is written in this style <span style="font-size: 14pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  Has been re-constructed from Clara’s diary <span style="font-size: 14pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  Ties in with the idea of the frame narrative, as Clara’s version is the original has might have a certain bias in it. Alba’s narration may have its own bias. Hence, it is important to note that the story may be inaccurate. Discuss the idea of Clara being an unreliable narrator

__ Alba’s intrusive comments __ <span style="font-size: 14pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  Alba comments on the events in Clara’s diary and provides insight in to her perspective of the story <span style="font-size: 14pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  This can be a way of manipulating the readers’ perspective of the novel, as Alba’s comments are purely her own opinion <span style="font-size: 14pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  Alba’s identity as the narrator is hidden, until the last chapter <span style="font-size: 14pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  Add to the idea of the story being re-constructed  (examples/evidence ?)