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David Lodge once remarked, "The point of using an unreliable narrator is indeed to reveal an interesting gap between appearance and reality, and to show how human beings distort or conceal the latter." This quote sets the stage for understanding the narrative technique employed in John Boyne's novel "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas." The focus of this essay is to delve into the narrative choice of a 3rd person limited subjective naive narrator and how it magnifies key themes within the novel, particularly innocence and ignorance, war, and prejudice.
In the realm of literature, a third-person limited subjective naive narrator signifies a storytelling approach where an external party recounts the events.
Limited or intimate voice denotes that the narrative unfolds from a singular perspective, offering readers a more personal connection with the protagonist. Subjective narration implies an opinionated, judged, or assumed tone, as opposed to an objective, factual, and measured one. Additionally, the term "naive" in this context reflects a lack of experience or wisdom, emphasizing the overarching themes of innocence and ignorance inherent in childhood.
The potency of the narrative voice lies in its ability to amplify the central themes of innocence and ignorance.
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By adopting the viewpoint of a child navigating a war-ridden world, the subjective limited naive narrator immerses readers in the innocence, obliviousness, and ignorance of childhood. The intentional malapropisms and mistakes made by the protagonist, Bruno, serve to heighten the irony and provide profound insights into how innocence and ignorance wield transformative power, altering the perception of the world.
The irony is particularly poignant given the context—a child whose father oversees a German Death camp during World War II.
Bruno's narrative voice innocently describes his surroundings, referring to Auschwitz as "Out-With" and the "Fury" (Führer) as a guest. These innocent perspectives highlight a different, unaffected viewpoint, showcasing how war appears to a child devoid of allegiance or understanding. Bruno, shielded by youth, remains unswayed by the political affiliations and conflicts of the time.
War serves as a pervasive theme in the novel, intertwined with the setting, timeframe, and the 3rd person limited subjective naive narrator's perspective. This narrative choice accentuates the theme of war and loss by offering a biased portrayal of the conflict from the Nazi side. Bruno's childish voice and his misinterpretations inject curiosity into concepts like "Out-With" and the "Fury," making the theme of war intriguing and standing out prominently in the narrative.
If presented through an adult's voice, the exploration of war would lack the same fascination and depth. Bruno's innocence magnifies the impact of war on individuals, as he grapples with concepts beyond his comprehension. The limited subjective narrator, being both a child and German, provides a unique lens through which readers witness the effects of war on the young and the innocent.
Prejudice emerges as another significant theme, underscored and amplified by the naive and unreliable narrator. The physical barrier of the fence, symbolizing the separation between Auschwitz and the Commandant's home, becomes a potent metaphor for prejudice. Bruno's lack of understanding regarding this divide generates empathy and confusion, reflecting the innocence of childhood.
The naive narrator not only highlights Bruno's confusion but also prompts readers to question the prejudice embedded in societal norms. The encounters with Shmuel on the other side of the fence emphasize the similarities between the two boys, challenging the naive and unfair prejudices of the adults of the time. Bruno's innocence becomes a powerful tool in showcasing the unjust biases prevalent during that period.
In conclusion, the narrative voice of the 3rd person limited subjective naive narrator in "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" serves as a deliberate choice to amplify key themes within the novel—namely, the innocence and ignorance of childhood, the impact of war, and the prevalence of prejudice. This narrative technique provides readers with a distinct perspective, fostering a deeper understanding of the world and the complexities of war. By navigating the story through the lens of a naive narrator, Boyne crafts a narrative that resonates with emotion, empathy, and a profound exploration of human nature.
The Power of Naive Narration in "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas". (2016, Oct 19). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/boy-in-the-striped-pyjamas-essay
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