Blog Post #5

In chapter 6 “Narrative”, Culler describes narrative as more than an academic subject, but instead as a drive by humans to want to hear and tell stories. He breaks down the difference in a narrative about what a plot is versus what discourse is and how the two complement yet contrast each other simultaneously. A plot tells us the main point or message that the narrative is trying to get across. Its used as a clear message or takeaway. For example, A celestial being comes to earth to explore the intricate and misunderstood behaviors of human beings as he discovers the truth to what it means to be a human being and what they may truly desire. In contrast, a discourse sets the ground for how the plot is to be told/delivered. This can be through various methods which change the events that may occur or perspective that we may understand something from. However the plot is still the message delivered at the end of the day. For example, in addition to the celestial being, his brother and sisters join him on his quest to explore what the world has to offer and come in and out of view between their world and the human world. This individual develops personal and professional relationships with others whom he deals business with as well as an employer with their perspective of the celestial added as a method of self reflection. These two characteristics drive out desires to want to know more and tell narrative of our own to others while setting up our own discourse to add to the delivery of the story while keeping the plot consistent. These narratives also provide us with pleasures from imagery left up to interpretation by our minds. It fuels us and propels us to continue delivering the stories of others to others as well as the stories of our own.