External Narration free essay sample

The narrator describes the actions and appearances of the characters within the storythis is known as external narration â€Å"when she enters the parlor, Robert is nowhere to be found. He has left a note†. (148) This contrasts with internal narration which allows us to hear the characters thoughts and feelings â€Å"She writhed with a jealous pang. † (136) Chopin uses omniscient narration meaning the narrator has unrestricted knowledge. This allows us to gain a greater understanding of the story’s characters for example we learn that Edna is not happily married to Mr Pontellier. Chopin uses the point of view of a third person narrator focalising through Edna Pontellier this narration contributes best to the theme of an ‘awakening’. The narrator allows us to see what Edna sees and feel the emotion that she feels, we follow her as she ‘awakens’ to the many daunting realities in her life as she struggles to find personal independence and freedom. We will write a custom essay sample on External Narration or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page All of these narrative traits hold a great deal of importance and are used to create tone and atmosphere within the short story as well as adding depth to the characters. Chopin makes great use of both internal and external narration in this short story. External narration is used to give us a clear picture of both the characters and scenery within the story. â€Å"Mr Pontellier wore eye- glasses. He was a man of forty, medium height and rather slender build; he stooped a little. His hair was brown and straight, parted on one side. †(The Awakening 1) The internal narration used in this short story adds depth and personality to its characters. We gain a better understanding of the characters when we hear their thoughts and feelings. We learn, for instance, that Edna is not content with the life she is living through internal narration. â€Å"An indescribable oppression, which seemed to generate in some unfamiliar part of her consciousness, filled her whole being with a vague anguish. It was like a shadow, like a mist passing across her souls summer day. †(Chopin The Awakening 8). Using both internal and external narration can be seen as essential in the creation of realistic and complex characters within Chopin’s â€Å"The Awakening†. We must be able to see Edna’s face in our minds eye as well as be able to feel her emotions in order for her to seem real to us. The narrator’s knowledge is unrestricted in this novel, there is no information that he/she is not aware of , this is known as omniscient narration.