Fiction and Narrative

Derek Matravers challenges the belief that fiction relies on imagination, proposing a new understanding of narrative that blurs the lines between fiction and non-fiction while addressing various related philosophical issues.

In Fiction and Narrative, Derek Matravers challenges the conventional belief that fiction is inherently tied to the imagination. He critiques the longstanding philosophical view that defines fiction as something requiring the reader's imaginative engagement. Instead, Matravers proposes a fresh perspective that examines how we read, listen to, or watch narratives, regardless of whether they are fictional or non-fictional. His arguments suggest that the definitions surrounding imagination and fiction are flawed, as they conflate imagination with representation in a broader sense.

Matravers's work seeks to bridge the gap between fiction and non-fiction, arguing that the distinction is not as significant as traditionally thought. By drawing on psychological insights, he provides a nuanced understanding of narrative engagement that minimizes the reliance on imagination. This approach allows for a more comprehensive exploration of various related topics, including the paradox of fiction, the role of fictional narrators, and the complexities of imaginative resistance.

Throughout the book, Matravers illuminates how our interactions with narratives shape our understanding and experience of storytelling. By re-evaluating the relationship between fiction and imagination, he opens up new avenues for discussion about how we connect with narratives in all their forms. Fiction and Narrative ultimately invites readers to reconsider their assumptions about storytelling and the nature of engagement with both fictional and non-fictional works.