RICK ALTMANS THEORY OF NARRATIVE (Teoria opowiadania Ricka Altmana)

Helman presents Rick Altman's theory presented in his recent book Theory of Narrative (2008). Altman, a professor from the University of Iowa, is known as a theoretician of the genre, but his newest research places him within the scope of theories of narration. Altman's theory of narrative moves towards the universal, as he is interested in narration in art in general. Rather than considering the differences between literary and film narratives, he points out the similarities. Altman highlights the exceptional, cultural significance of narratives and the omnipresent practice of storytelling. He maintains that this is the result of storytelling being open to different forms. Helman presents the main idea of the book, namely that narrative is independent from the medium. Helman presents the most important elements of Altman's theory, and she concludes, that the theory is engaging, because one is immediately tempted to apply it in analysis.