PROSE (+) FICTION

1. PROSE (+) FICTION WHAT IS IT?

2. Literature • Why do we read fiction? • What happens when we read?

3. Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) • “A Haunted house” • What is the story “about”? • Who are the characters (she, they, you, I)? • What does the story make you think about?

4. Analysis and Interpretation • When we read, we intuitively analyze, comparing the new with the known. Analysis is the way to understanding. • Interpretation is understanding communicated to others. • Analysis and interpretation depend on one’s knowledge, cultural background, method, etc. • There is an unlimited number of interpretations (possible meanings), the only limit is the text itself.

5. READER’S ROLE • Active reading = interacting, participating, creating new meanings. • The reader makes a text come to life.

6. Text and Work • “Text” is the succession of printed signs in the book. It is fixed and not a subject to change. • Text turns into a “work” when we read it and bring it to life with our understanding. • For practical purposes, the words “work” and “text” can be interchangeable.

7. Work – Author - Reader • Unity: a work of literature is framed by the beginning and the end. • Integrity: every element is important, nothing can be taken out. • Dialogism: characters talk to each other and the author’s utterance is addressed to the reader. Reading = “conversing” with the author.

8. What is Prose?

9. The Middle Class Gentleman(LeBourgeois Gentilhomme) by Molière PHILOSOPHY MASTER
I'll explain to you all these strange things to their very depths. MONSIEUR JOURDAIN
Please do. But now, I must confide in you. I'm in love with a lady of great quality, and I wish that you would help me write something to her in a little note that I will let fall at her feet. PHILOSOPHY MASTER
Very well. MONSIEUR JOURDAIN
That will be gallant, yes? PHILOSOPHY MASTER
Without doubt. Is it verse that you wish to write her? MONSIEUR JOURDAIN
No, no. No verse.

10. The Middle Class Gentleman(LeBourgeois Gentilhomme) by Molière PHILOSOPHY MASTER
Do you want only prose? MONSIEUR JOURDAIN
No, I don't want either prose or verse. PHILOSOPHY MASTER
It must be one or the other. MONSIEUR JOURDAIN
Why? PHILOSOPHY MASTER
Because, sir, there is no other way to express oneself than with prose or verse. MONSIEUR JOURDAIN
There is nothing but prose or verse? PHILOSOPHY MASTER
No, sir, everything that is not prose is verse, and everything that is not verse is prose.

11. The Middle Class Gentleman(Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme) by Molière MONSIEUR JOURDAIN
And when one speaks, what is that then? PHILOSOPHY MASTER
Prose. MONSIEUR JOURDAIN
What! When I say, "Nicole, bring me my slippers, and give me my nightcap," that's prose? PHILOSOPHY MASTER
Yes, Sir. MONSIEUR JOURDAIN
By my faith! For more than forty years I have been speaking prose without knowing anything about it, and I am much obliged to you for having taught me that.

12. What types of prose are there?

13. Types of prose • Letters • Journal or newspaper columns • Dictionary entries • Internet Blogs • Memoirs • Academic essays • Fiction And many more…

14. What is Prose Fiction? • Prose is any text not written in verse. • Prose fiction is narrative* fiction not written in verse. *A narrative informs readers of events, factual (i.e., historical accounts) or imaginary (fiction).