The Research On Gerald Prince’s Narrative Theory

Gerald Prince is an important theorist in the realm of Narrative Theory. His research ranges from classical Narrative Theory to postclassical Narrative Theory, bringing him great reputation in international academia. However, the domestic research about Gerald Prince lacks comprehensiveness and depth, so the aim of this dissertation is to fill the gap. The essay will not only introduce Gerald Prince’s academic life and the composition of his theory, but also analyze some key points of his theory, These points is the feature which distinguish him from other contemporary theorists, and constitute the most groundbreaking theoretical contribution. The main body of this dissertation will start from analyzing the Gerald Prince’s definition of Narrative, point out three prerequisites of Narrative (Timeliness、Non-synchronism and Language),and then analyze the model of Narrative from the perspective of two Metanarrative signs (Narrating and Narrated). After which, the dissertation will take an insight into his two breakthrough of former theoretical structure (Narrative Theming and Narrative Disnarrated). At last, this article will have some constructive discussion on the enlightenment of Prince’s Narrative theory to domestic academia, its critical application and the direction of advanced research.