Empathy in Literature: Deconstruction of Narrative Empathy in Josip Novakovich’s April Fool’s Day

Abstract

The paper deals with the phenomenon of empathy as a means used by writers, especially in character formation and establishing the relationship with the reader. Firstly, the concept of empathy is considered from a psychological point of view (definitions and types), and the term narrative empathy is introduced. Then follows the analysis of techniques that Josip Novakovich uses to establish narrative empathy between the narrator and the reader regarding his character Ivan Dolinar from the novel April Fool's Day. The author uses explicit and implicit presentation of emotional cues to transfer emotions to the reader. Also, within the text, a two-way line of forming empathy is suggested: the reader is targeted both by the narrator’s side towards the character and by the relationship of the main character with other characters in the novel. The question of empathetic and ethical aspects of a literary text is also raised, as well as the place of narrative empathy in establishing a link between empathy and altruism in general.