Reader-Writer Relationship: A Rhetorical Narrative Analysis of A Tale for the Time Being

Abstract

Ruth Ozekis work A Tale for the Time Being has piqued world-wide interest in its thematic extensity and unique style. Previous theme studies on one of the novels most fundamental topics reader-writer relationship, proves insightful in understanding the novels artistic construction. In light of Phelans rhetorical theory of narrative, the paper intends to build on the interpretation of the novels aesthetic value by employing three of the core concepts of Phelans theory four dimension readers, narrative progression and narrative judgements to better demonstrate the significance of readers involvement not only in building, but also propelling and revealing the dynamics of the multilayered reader-writer relationship. By analyzing various engagements readers have with characters and the implied author, the paper shows that rather than through overarching explanations, the novel preserves the relationships elusive nature through a multilayered reading experience.