Narratological Examination Of The Narratee In Christopher Okemwa’S Sabina And The Mystery Of The Ogre And Sabina The Rain Girl.

Abstract

This study set out to examine the narratee in Christopher Okemwa’s Sabina and the Mystery of the Ogre and Sabina the Rain Girl. The study analyses the narratee notion focusing on its definition, its signals and identification. This, the study does from a narratological perspective. It also takes keener interest in the nature, role and function of a narratee in a literary narrative. The study examines the narratee as an essential notion in his or her relay role between the narrator and the reader(s). Examination of the narratee enables us to pay attention to the notional addressee of the narrator, readers and the people the narrative is addressed to. Available studies show that unlike the narrator, the narratee has not received much attention from literary scholars yet it is critical for the understanding of any narrative. Literally, most elements of a narrative: plot, characterization and themes are better understood through the narratee. Besides constituting a relay between the narrator and the reader, the narratee aids in establishment and development of the narrative. He or she serves an important role in characterizing the narrator in addition to emphasizing certain themes. The narratee thus contributes to plot development and helps bring out the values the narrative sets out to impart. The study focuses on the two literary narrative texts by Christopher Okemwa’s in its examination of the narratee besides other sampled texts. Three main approaches to the literary criticism are adopted by this study: narratology, reader-response and Feminist criticism. The study also embraces textual analysis from a close reading of the texts. Narratology directs our conceptualization and examination of the narratee by drawing attention to the details of the genre. Feminist criticism draws attention to the gender issues raised against the cultural background presented in the narrative texts. Reader-response criticism refocuses criticism on the reader(s) and the reading process. They help examine the author’s attitude towards their readers, the kinds of readers various texts seem to imply, the role of actual readers in the determination of meaning, the relation of reading conventions to textual interpretation and the status of the reader’s self. Finally, the textual analysis lays emphasis on the text and helps us discuss the narrative strategies employed by the author so as to realize the intended agency. The study then draws its conclusions from the two literary narrative texts under this study. The study finds out that the narratee is fundamental for conveying information from the narrator to the reader in any narrative process. As a result of this, he/she helps drive home the projected agency in a narrative and induces a conversation about the issues addressed. The study recommends further research on the different types of narratees, their inscription in various literary narratives and the distinctive roles they uniquely play in achievement of the narration process.