“The Notion of Narrative is Necessary to the Notion of Self.”

Narrative promotes increased self consciousness and identity in the characters of texts as well as the readers. This is achieved as narrative implements self knowledge through human survival and the consequent search for inner strength and truth. Narrative fiction is also a socially symbolic act which serves to address issues prevalent in society. Furthermore, the art of narrative approaches and considers questions of morality through the contrast of rationality and unlimited desire. While most narrative texts depict narrative as a necessity to the idea of self, “The Infernal Desire Machines of Doctor Hoffman” penned by Angela Carter, “The Robber Bride” by Margaret Atwood and “The Bell Jar” written by Sylvia Plath all vividly document this notion through their characters and their target of the reader. Thus, as both the characters and the readers suffer from increased self consciousness, it is evident that the notion of narrative is necessary to the notion of self.

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