Fictional Truth

by Michael Riffaterre

Overview

In Fictional Truth Riffaterre identifies and discusses the features that give fictional narratives their ring of truth. He offers a semiotic revision of traditional narrarology, sets forth a new theory of intertextual overdetermination, and presents an analysis of the manufestation of narrative contant through the operations of an intertextual unconscious. Throughout, Riffaterre tests theory against close readings of fiction by such authors as Austen, Balzac, Dickens, James, Meredith, Proust, and Trollope. An introduction and glossary of terms help make this an indispensable volume for the student as well as the specialist.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801839344
Publisher:	Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication date:	01/01/1990
Series:	Parallax: Re-visions of Culture and Society
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.38(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Michael Riffaterre is University Professor at Columbia University as well as Director and a Senior Fellow of the School of Criticism and Theory at Dartmouth College. He is author of Semiotics of Poetry and Text Production.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1. Truth in Diegesis
Chapter 2. Fictionality Declared
Chapter 3. Symbolic Systems in Narrative
Chapter 4. The Unconscious of Fiction
Notes
Glossary
Index

Editorial Reviews

It almost goes without saying that a new book by Michael Riffaterre is an important book . . . and Fictional Truth does not disappoint . . . Essential reading for everyone interested in the way narrative works.
—Modern Fiction Studies

There is no doubt that this book is indispensable not only for critics and students of the novel but for anyone who has considered the paradox of 'fictional truth.
—Queen's Quarterly

From the Publisher

It almost goes without saying that a new book by Michael Riffaterre is an important book . . . and Fictional Truth does not disappoint . . . Essential reading for everyone interested in the way narrative works.

Modern Fiction Studies

There is no doubt that this book is indispensable not only for critics and students of the novel but for anyone who has considered the paradox of 'fictional truth.

Queen's Quarterly