Interactive Narrative Technique In The Depiction Of Societal Disintegration In Abdulrazak Gurnah’S Gravel Heart

Abstract

This thesis is a critical analysis of interactive narrative technique in the depiction of societal disintegration in Abdulrazak Gurnah’s Gravel Heart. The thesis begins by providing an understanding of interactive narrative technique. I argue that interactive narrative technique is focused on according a reader the power to navigate the narration technique employed by an author to arrive at a meaning of a text. The exploration of this narration paths leads to realization of a fragmentariness in the structure of Gravel Heart. In the study, I argue that, Gurnah deploys a fragmented form of narration in telling the tale of disintegration. To arrive at fragmentariness in narration, I explore specific aspects in Gurnah’s narration strategy that point out to the same. These include; anachronic type of plot, multiple narration perspectives, use of the letter to fill gaps in narration and also as a mnemonic device, and use of silence to portray the inadequacy of words to express abjection. I, as well, explore characterization with a view to explaining how they catalyze or even epitomize societal disintegration. The study also presents the different images of a disintegrated society as portrayed by the author with a view to ascertaining that the narration strategy employed foregrounds the theme of societal disintegration. The images presented in the study are unhomeliness, oppressive sexuality, disintegrated Zanzibar post-colony and portrayal of squalor and filth as images of irresponsibility and unaccountability among citizens. In discussion of the variables of this study I deploy, Social abjection theory by Imogen Tyler and narratology theory by Gerard Genette as they help to comprehend Gravel Heart’s signature topic, societal disintegration.