Some Narrative Techniques in Xhosa Prose Fiction

Abstract

Literary narrative can be created by means of two basic techniques, namely the objective and the subjective. Objective narrative entails that the narrator remains in the background while the narrative is in progress, and the characters are allowed to demonstrate their specific natures as far as possible by means of dramatic methods. On the other hand, the narrator who makes use of subjective narrative techniques occupies a more prominent and in some cases, dominant position in the story. While these two techniques are representative of the two most basic and opposing poles in literary narrative, they are seldom found in pure form. The narrative of a specific author usually comprises a synthesis of both techniques, which provides his work with a characteristic and distinctive form. Broadly speaking though, it could be concluded that a certain author always reveals an inclination towards the application of either objective or subjective narrative techniques in his work.