Debating Rhetorical Narratology

The book features a dynamic exchange between Matthew Clark and James Phelan, focusing on the synthetic, mimetic, and thematic dimensions of narrative. Clark suggests "friendly amendments" to Phelan's theories, prompting Phelan to defend his positions with wit. Their discussion is anchored in analyses of diverse narratives, spanning from classical works like Homer's Iliad to modern texts such as Toni Morrison's Beloved. This scholarly debate not only explores narrative theory but also showcases the authors' engaging dialogue and differing perspectives.