A General Model of Realist Fictional Narrative

Abstract

The most advanced forms of modernist and poststructuralist critique have been highly skeptical of the realist claims made by many 17th and 18th century novels as well as the more programmatic realism of 19th century. Yet from painting and novels to photography and virtual reality, countless techniques and technologies of representation have been developed to give readers or spectators an experience that is realistic. Indeed, "realistic" is almost always a positive epithet. This article seeks to explain the continued allure of realist fictional narratives by analyzing the four cardinal modes that compose them: mimesis, form, fictionality, and the reader. Each of these modes is necessary, and in their balanced cooperation are sufficient, to account for the analytical scope and affective engagement achieved by realist fictional narrative.