The narrative utilizes multiple levels and functions to tell a story, these levels create the situation by developing character, and action along with the particular setting. The bodies of these functions contain the individual words and grammar combinations, the single linguistics of the narrative can be broken down to simple words. And even these simple words can be analyzed on varying levels Barthes notes that these levels include “phonetic, phonological, grammatical, and contextual.” He continues to note that “Levels are operations. Thus it is normal that linguistics should tend to multiply them as it progresses.” [1] So, as the levels multiply over the course of a single sentence, then many sentences, they create a complex description. However these levels and all their differences are instantaneously interpreted by the reader and form the story in their mind. Barthes also contends that all of these levels and even the smallest units a narrative is broken down into have some importance stating that “everything has meaning or nothing has”. [2] Thus, he validates the in depth study and analysis of the linguistics and grammar of narratives.
[1] Barthes, Roland Introduction to the Structural Analysis of Narrative, New Literary History, Vol. 6, No. 2 On Narrative and Narratives (Winter 1975) The Johns Hopkins University Press, pp. 242
[2] Barthes, Roland Introduction to the Structural Analysis of Narrative, New Literary History, Vol. 6, No. 2 On Narrative and Narratives (Winter 1975) The Johns Hopkins University Press, pp. 245
Excellent job breaking down the essence of narrative into it's smallest building blocks. Each syllable uttered has its own weight and significance that changes drastically with even the slightest alteration in placement or enunciation. Great citation to prove the point
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