Intertwining Memory with Narrative Tempo: Examining Memory through Narrative Pace in select Indian Novels (FMSP) | 12 Nov 2024

12 November 2024, 4.15 pm
Campus Westend, Casino 1.812

Shipra Tholia (Banaras Hindu University)

Narrative Pace offers a unique perspective for the analysis of memory literature. In memory literature, the change in narrative pace is particularly evident because the representation of memory encourages a variety of narrative pacing strategies – from acceleration to deceleration. My argument is that the five narrative paces influence the way memory is conceptualized. I will use the novel The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni as the basis for my discussion in this lecture. A rewrite of the Indian epic novel Mahabharata is attempted in this novel from the perspective of Draupadi (the female protagonist). In this novel, Draupadi recalls all the events of her childhood, her young self, and everything leading up to the Mahabharat War.  On a self-reflective level, her process of remembering enables her to identify herself.

Through the iterative-durative contraction, a more explicit emphasis is placed on the character’s trauma or the timelessness of the content remembered. In contrast, narrative pace summaries and ellipses emphasize the complexity of remembering, the sense of loneliness, and the tension inherent in the story. The use of ellipses does not necessarily mean that the memory is less important, but is rather used in order to advance the plot or to show memory gaps. Due to the narrative pace stretch, a psychological impact is generated, as well as a detailed evaluation and observation of memories. Additionally, the narrative pace pause can sometimes serve as a catalyst for contemplative reflection on one’s own existence, as the character recalls. A narrative pace pause may be used to highlight different emotions. As a result of the narrative pace scene, the act of remembering is perceived as a reflexive and dialogic activity. This helps in the process of suturing the memory threads for the purpose of understanding oneself.

Of course these five narrative pace serve a variety of functions that go beyond these; their more significant contribution is to aid in conceptualizing memory.