Jan Mukařovský´s Approach to Literature: Structural Narratology

SLÁDEK, Ondřej. Jan Mukařovský´s Approach to Literature: Structural Narratology. In 2018 International Conference on Narrative, April 18–22, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; The International Society for the Study of Narrative, McGill University Montréal. 2018.

Basic information

• Original name: Jan Mukařovský´s Approach to Literature: Structural Narratology
• Name (in English): Jan Mukařovský´s Approach to Literature: Structural Narratology
• Authors: SLÁDEK, Ondřej.
• Edition: 2018 International Conference on Narrative, April 18–22, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; The International Society for the Study of Narrative, McGill University Montréal, 2018.

Other information

• Type of outcome: Presentations at conferences
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• Keywords (in Czech): Jan Mukařovský, Structuralism, Structural Narratology, Literary Theory
• Keywords in English: Jan Mukařovský, Structuralism, Structural Narratology, Literary Theory

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to 1) present Mukařovský’s approach to literature and to narrative structures, in particular their basic elements, hierarchical plans and possible principles of global organization. Mukařovský was aware that narrative structures can be studied either as abstract conceptual systems or as forms of concrete narrative works. Hence, already in the first half of the 20th century, structural narratology in his conception included both theoretical and interpretive activities (Mukařovský is the author of a large number of concrete structural analyses). In addition, the paper will focus on 2) Mukařovský’s concept of representation of narrative and 3) his concept of structural thematology. Finally, I will evaluate the contribution of Jan Mukařovský’s structuralism to contemporary narratology.

Abstract (in English)

The aim of the paper is to 1) present Mukařovský’s approach to literature and to narrative structures, in particular their basic elements, hierarchical plans and possible principles of global organization. Mukařovský was aware that narrative structures can be studied either as abstract conceptual systems or as forms of concrete narrative works. Hence, already in the first half of the 20th century, structural narratology in his conception included both theoretical and interpretive activities (Mukařovský is the author of a large number of concrete structural analyses). In addition, the paper will focus on 2) Mukařovský’s concept of representation of narrative and 3) his concept of structural thematology. Finally, I will evaluate the contribution of Jan Mukařovský’s structuralism to contemporary narratology.