Ellipsis, Narrative Gaps, and Their Functions in Contemporary British Poetry: A Narratological Approach

Abstract

The narratological understanding of ellipsis is defined as a gap in the presentation of a narrative’s histoire. The absence of extensive consideration of verse in narratological studies is argued. It is suggested that such an absence is surprising, as narrative and verse constantly intersect. The work of several contemporary British poets is discussed in terms of their employment of narrative ellipsis. A provisional typology of ellipsis in verse and functions for such ellipsis are put forward. It is hypothesised that this device is widespread in verse, and that examination of poetry using this and other narratological terms will prove fruitful.