Spiritual Touchstone: Summer Reading
Summer Reading
by Melinda V. McLain
SPIRITUAL TOUCHSTONE
Most folks who know me, know that I love to read. And I love to get recommendations for good books and share the same with others. I’m also a HUGE fan of libraries and encourage everyone to visit your local library often. And don't forget to check out online library resources where you can borrow materials in a digital format to read on your phone, computer or e-reader. Contra Costa Library has a robust online collection that I love!
Recently, I happened to read a bio of the author Agatha Christie, a beloved author of detective fiction who left behind many mysteries about her own life that writers are still trying to unravel. One of the wonderful techniques she used in her novels is known as an “unreliable narrator”.
Here’s what the the AI platform ChatGPT says is an unreliable narrator:
An unreliable narrator is a literary or storytelling device where the narrator's credibility or truthfulness is called into question. It refers to a narrative perspective that presents the story from the viewpoint of a character who may be deceptive, misguided, mentally unstable, or lacking in self-awareness. The unreliability can stem from intentional deceit or unintentional factors such as limited knowledge, personal bias, or distorted perception of events.
By using an unreliable narrator, authors can create ambiguity, suspense, or irony within a narrative. It challenges readers to critically evaluate the information presented and to question the narrator's interpretations or motives. This technique adds depth and complexity to the storytelling, as it allows for multiple perspectives and encourages readers to actively engage with the text.
Unreliable narrators can take various forms, such as:
Naive Narrator: The narrator lacks experience or understanding, leading them to misinterpret or misunderstand events. They may innocently convey incorrect information due to their limited knowledge or naivety.
Mentally Unstable Narrator: The narrator's mental state is compromised, leading to distortions, hallucinations, or delusions. Their perceptions may not align with reality, making their account unreliable.
Dishonest or Manipulative Narrator: The narrator intentionally deceives the reader by lying, omitting crucial details, or presenting a biased perspective. Their motives for distortion may vary, such as seeking sympathy, justifying their actions, or manipulating the reader's emotions.
Unconscious Bias: The narrator may possess certain biases or prejudices that influence their storytelling. These biases can lead to a skewed or one-sided portrayal of events and characters.
Unreliable narrators can be found in various literary works, including novels, short stories, and even films. Some famous examples include Humbert Humbert from Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita," Patrick Bateman from Bret Easton Ellis's "American Psycho," and Holden Caulfield from J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye."
And of course, Agatha Christie used it very well in “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” plus the biographer suggests that Christie herself intentionally shaped her public image in a way that made her an unreliable narrator of her own life. For example, she never actually explained her disappearance for nine days in 1926. Did she wander off to a spa because she had temporary amnesia? Was she punishing her adulterous husband? Or was her disappearance an amazing publicity stunt. Only Agatha knew for sure, or did she?
After reading this book and checking out ChatGPT (another unreliable narrator?), I’ve been noticing that I am often an unreliable narrator of my own life too. I tell myself things are fine - when they are not. And sometimes I do the reverse, I actually fail to be ok when things really are just lovely. And just like in fiction, I often get things wrong because of naivete, unconscious bias or I'm just a bit mentally wobbly. I'd like to think I avoid dishonesty or manipulation, but I'm perfectly capable of "shading" a story so that it will improve your perception of me or someone I love.
How ‘bout you? And what difference does it make if we can begin to recognize ourselves as unreliable narrators of our own reality? Would it give you more empathy or ability to spot fraudsters at the outset? What if, recognizing our own fallibilities, helped us to be more humble?
May your summer be filled with great reads that lead you to a greater understanding of yourself and others.
Photo by: Magda Ehlers at pexels.com