MYP English Lang & Lit Topic Unreliable Narrators…

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MYP English Lang & Lit Topic Unreliable Narrators… | RevisionDojo

Unreliable narrators

(or: when the storyteller might not be telling the whole truth)
Sometimes the problem with a story isn’t what happens.
It’s who’s telling it.
An unreliable narrator is a narrator whose version of events cannot be fully trusted. Not always because they are lying, but because they are human.

1. What is an unreliable narrator?

Definition

Unreliable Narrator

An unreliable narrator is a storyteller whose account of events cannot be fully trusted because their perspective is distorted by bias, limited knowledge, emotional instability, or deliberate deception.

An unreliable narrator is a narrator who:
1. misunderstands events
2. is biased or self-protective
3. leaves things out
4. exaggerates or downplays the truth
The reader must read between the lines to work out what is really going on.
In simple terms:
1. The narrator tells a story. The reader works out the story.

2. Why writers use unreliable narrators

Writers use unreliable narrators to:
1. create tension and mystery
2. make readers question the truth
3. reveal character flaws
4. show how perspective shapes reality
Unreliability turns the reader into an active thinker, not a passive listener.

3. How narrators become unreliable

Bias

The narrator presents events in a way that makes themselves look better.

Example

I say I was fair, but I always blame him for what happened.

Limited knowledge

They simply don’t know everything and fill in gaps incorrectly.

Example

She speaks with confidence, but she only saw part of what happened and guessed the rest.

Emotional involvement

Strong feelings cloud judgement.

Example

I tell myself I am being logical, but I am angry in how I describe her actions.

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Definition

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Note

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Tip

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MYP English Lang & Lit Unreliable Narrators Notes

Unreliable narrators

1. What is an unreliable narrator?

2. Why writers use unreliable narrators

3. How narrators become unreliable

Bias

Limited knowledge

Emotional involvement

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

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Unreliable narrators

1. What is an unreliable narrator?

2. Why writers use unreliable narrators

3. How narrators become unreliable

Bias

Limited knowledge

Emotional involvement

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

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Characterization and Human Behaviour5 subtopics

Dramatic Writing and Performance Techniques 4 subtopics

Narrative Perspective and Voice4 subtopics

Poetic Form and Expressive Techniques4 subtopics

Short Story Structure and Theme4 subtopics

Critical Reading and Media Interpretation4 subtopics

Travel Writing and Descriptive Craft3 subtopics

Ethical Reasoning in Texts3 subtopics

Argumentation and Persuasive Writing4 subtopics

Relationships and Interpersonal Themes3 subtopics

Duality, Conflict and Symbolism2 subtopics

Responsibility, Agency and Theme Development4 subtopics

MYP English Lang & Lit Unreliable Narrators Notes

Characterization and Human Behaviour5 subtopics

Dramatic Writing and Performance Techniques 4 subtopics

Narrative Perspective and Voice4 subtopics

Poetic Form and Expressive Techniques4 subtopics

Short Story Structure and Theme4 subtopics

Critical Reading and Media Interpretation4 subtopics

Travel Writing and Descriptive Craft3 subtopics

Ethical Reasoning in Texts3 subtopics

Argumentation and Persuasive Writing4 subtopics

Relationships and Interpersonal Themes3 subtopics

Duality, Conflict and Symbolism2 subtopics

Responsibility, Agency and Theme Development4 subtopics

Unreliable narrators

1. What is an unreliable narrator?

2. Why writers use unreliable narrators

3. How narrators become unreliable

Bias

Limited knowledge

Emotional involvement

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account

Unreliable narrators

1. What is an unreliable narrator?

2. Why writers use unreliable narrators

3. How narrators become unreliable

Bias

Limited knowledge

Emotional involvement

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account