The spelling of the word "narratee" is quite simple when considering its phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced /nəˈræt̬i/, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, while the second syllable starts with the "r" sound and ends with the "t" and "ee" sounds. "Narratee" refers to the person or audience who receives the narrative, often in the context of literature or storytelling.
A narratee refers to the implied or imagined recipient of a narrative message or story. In literary theory and narratology, the narratee is the hypothetical person or entity to whom the narrator of a text is addressing the narrative. While the narrator is the one presenting the story, the narratee is the character or reader for whom the story is intended. The narratee can be an actual character within the story or the reader or audience outside the fictional world.
The concept of the narratee was introduced by French literary theorist Gérard Genette in his work "Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method." According to Genette, the narratee is an essential component of the narrative structure, as they play a vital role in shaping the way the story is received and interpreted. They provide a viewpoint or perspective through which the reader engages with the narrative.
The concept of the narratee allows for a deeper understanding of the relationship between the narrator, text, and reader. It highlights the fact that narratives are not static entities but are dynamic interactions between the storyteller and the recipient. By considering the narratee, one can analyze the narrative techniques employed by the author to engage and influence the reader's perception, emotions, and interpretation of the story.
Overall, the concept of the narratee provides a framework for examining the complex relationship between the narrator, text, and reader, shedding light on the metaphysical and psychological dimensions of storytelling.
The word "narratee" is derived from the noun "narrate", which comes from the Latin root "narrāre", meaning "to tell" or "to narrate". The suffix "-ee" is added to "narrate" to create "narratee", indicating a person who receives or is the target of the narration. Therefore, the etymology of "narratee" essentially traces back to the Latin word "narrāre".