" The Theory of Narrative as Proposed by Meike Bal (2017): A Study of Temporality and Chrono-Narratology in the Qur'anic Story "Joseph

نوع المستند : المقالة الأصلية

المؤلف

Faculty of Arts,- Delta university for Science and Technology

المستخلص

This paper examines the narrative structure of Joseph's story- Qur’anic Surah Yusuf- based on the theory of chronology and plot temporal structure of fictional narratives- chrononarratology- as proposed by Meike Bal (2017). The study compromises three major points; an illustration of Bal’s narrative theory, a reference to the history of the literary study of the Qur’anic text and a justification for the choice of the story of Joseph, and finally an analysis of the chronological structure of ‘Joseph’ according to the earlier two points. Drawing extensively on Bal's theoretical framework encompassing order and duration, the analysis explores how the Qur'anic story manipulates chronology to build suspense, convey thematic significance, and engage the readers. While generally adhering to a linear sequence, the story narrative incorporates strategic anachronies, including retroversions and anticipations. These temporal deviations, alternating with vivid scenes and temporal summaries, contribute to overarching narrative coherence and interest while compacting extensive implied storyline duration into a literary narrative. The study argues that the story's sophisticated control of chronological gaps and pacing reveals artful narrative time manipulation. Situating this within interdisciplinary contexts, the paper ultimately concludes that the Qur'anic story stands as an exemplary literary work exhibiting unique chrononarratological form and function that provides a model for application and better comprehension of the theory. The paper recommends further studies of the Qur’anic stories to benefit from its rich literary reservoir

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