Introduction
The role of the narrator is significant for a story, as the way this role is executed can either make or break a narration. There are various narrators, and one in Jazz is rather unique. The story employs first-person peripheral narration, which creates a sense of first-hand witness recalling the events. However, the story describes the character’s inner feelings at specific points, breaking the established illusion of an uninvolved witness. This duality makes readers think of two narrators present in the story. Combining the narration structures, which emphasize feelings and their informal expression, creates a sense of authenticity in the depicted story.
The Role and Character of the Narrator in the Novel Jazz by Toni Morrison
The narrator’s character in the story is dual, which is evident from the beginning. The story begins with the phrase, “Sth, I know that woman” (Morrison 1). This introduction implies a level of familiarity with the characters of the novel. It is highly reminiscent of how a person would talk about their neighbors casually. The abrupt and short nature of the sentences adds to the feeling of an informal dialogue that sprung to life impromptu. Examples of this abound in the story; for example, page seven has a cluster of short sentences: “Here comes the new. Lookout. There goes the sad stuff. The bad stuff” (Morrison 7). This kind of narration gives readers a feeling of listening to someone speak.
In addition, the casual atmosphere is emphasized by the lack of grammatical subjects in particular sentences. For example, in the sentence, “Know her husband, too,” the subject is omitted (Morrison 1). This omittance is quite typical for free and unceremonious speech. Furthermore, the narration uses informal linguistic structures such as direct address: “History is over, you all, and everything’s ahead at last” (Morrison 7). Using phrasal verbs, which are atypical for formal speech, adds to the sense of listening to a monologue or an extended part of a dialogue.
Sure, things could be inferred from the narrator’s character and the language they use. The novel’s first sentence starts with an interjection, “sth,” which shows disdain towards the person discussed (Morrison 1). This notion only solidifies further as the story continues to progress. Coupled with the informal and speech-like pattern of the narration, the story creates a feeling of a gossipy and judgmental speaker.
On the other hand, the narrator can make profound remarks regarding the characters’ feelings. For example, the narrator describes Joe Trace’s love for Dorcas as “deep down” and “spooky,” the kind of love that “made him so sad and happy he shot her” (Morrison 1). In addition, this narrator does not emit a sense of judgment as the first. This duality allows the first to connect with the reader and give them a sense of authentic portrayal of events.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the role and character of the narrator in the novel Jazz by Toni Morrison is complex and peculiar. The narrator plays a part in an authentic gateway into the characters’ lives through causal language and the expression of their feelings. Furthermore, the narration employs an insight into the characters’ inner emotions, which could not be achieved by observation. This adds to the sense of authenticity and depth of the story.
Work Cited
Morrison, Toni. Jazz. Knopf, 1992.