WORKSHEET 2

 WORKSHEET 2

1.Explain the quotation from Julain Barnes’s novel ‘The Only Story.

“Would you rather love the more, and suffer the more; or 

love the less, and suffer the less? That is, I think, finally, 

the only real question. You may point out – correctly – 

that it isn’t a real question. Because we don’t have a 

choice. If we had the choice, then there would be a 

question. But we don’t, so there isn’t. Who can control

how much they love? If you can control it, then it isn’t 

love. I don’t know what you call it instead, but it isn’t love.”

In this quote from Julian Barnes’s novel ‘The Only Story’, the speaker is discussing the fundamental question of whether it is better to love deeply and passionately, even if it leads to more suffering, or to love less and experience less pain. The speaker believes that this is the only real question when it comes to love.

However, the speaker acknowledges that it's not a "real question" in the sense that we do not have control over how much we love. Love is an emotion that arises from within us, and it is not something that can be easily regulated or controlled. As the speaker notes, if we could control our feelings of love, it would not truly be love.

Therefore, the speaker suggests that the dichotomy presented in the question is a false one. We cannot choose to love more or less because our emotions are not under our control. We can only experience love as it comes to us, with all the joys and sorrows that it brings.

Overall, this quote highlights the complex nature of love and the ways in which it can be both rewarding and painful. It also emphasises the idea that love is an emotion that cannot be easily defined or controlled, but rather something that we experience and navigate as best we can.

2. Who is Uncle Humphrey? How / why is this minor character significant in the novel?

"Uncle Humphrey" is a character in the novel "The Only Story" by Julian Barnes. He is the uncle of the protagonist, Paul, and is briefly mentioned in the early part of the book.

Although Uncle Humphrey is a minor character, he is significant in the novel in several ways. First, his relationship with his wife is used by Barnes to contrast with the relationship between Paul and his lover, Susan. Uncle Humphrey's marriage is portrayed as one in which both partners have given up on love and are simply going through the motions, while Paul and Susan's relationship is one that is passionate and all-consuming.

Second, Uncle Humphrey's fate serves as a warning to Paul about the dangers of settling for a loveless marriage. Later in the book, it is revealed that Uncle Humphrey ultimately commits suicide after living for many years in a loveless marriage. This serves as a cautionary tale for Paul, who is considering whether to leave his own loveless marriage.

Overall, while Uncle Humphrey is a relatively minor character in the novel, his role in the story is important in highlighting the themes of love, passion, and the dangers of settling for a loveless relationship.

3. While applying Gerard Genet’s tool of ‘Duration’ in narratology, how can we explain the narrative time and discourse time in Julian Barnes’s ‘The Only Story’?

Gerard Genette's concept of "Duration" in narratology refers to the relationship between narrative time and discourse time. Narrative time refers to the time span covered by the events and actions in the story, while discourse time refers to the time it takes for the story to be told. In the case of Julian Barnes's novel "The Only Story," we can analyse the duration in the following way:

Narrative time in "The Only Story":

The novel is structured around three parts, each covering a different phase in the relationship between the protagonist, Paul, and his lover, Susan. The first part describes their early days of courtship and the beginning of their love affair, the second part details their married life and its eventual breakdown, while the third part covers their lives after the end of their romantic relationship. The narrative spans over several decades, covering the 1960s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Discourse time in "The Only Story":

The novel is narrated from Paul's perspective as a retrospective account of his relationship with Susan. The discourse time is much shorter than the narrative time, as the entire story is told over the course of a few months. The narrative is interspersed with flashbacks and jumps between different time periods, which also compress the discourse time.

In "The Only Story," the duration is primarily marked by the relationship between the narrative time and the discourse time. The narrative time covers several decades, but the discourse time is compressed into a few months. This compression of time allows Barnes to focus on the emotional intensity of the relationship between Paul and Susan, rather than just chronologically listing their experiences. The use of retrospective narrative also allows Barnes to reflect on the meaning of the relationship for Paul, adding a layer of depth to the novel's exploration of love, memory, and loss.

Discourse time 19/ 20 years of age to 69/ 70 years of age

4. Write brief note on the narrative pattern with its thematic & postmodernist significance:

Narrative pattern is a term used to describe the way in which a story is structured and the elements that make up that structure. The pattern can be seen as a kind of blueprint for the story, with various components working together to create a coherent and compelling narrative.

In terms of its thematic significance, the narrative pattern can help to shape the overall meaning and message of a story. For example, stories that follow a traditional linear structure with a clear beginning, middle, and end may suggest a more straightforward or conservative worldview, while stories that experiment with non-linear or fragmented structures may suggest a more complex or challenging perspective.

Postmodernism is a literary and cultural movement that emerged in the late 20th century, characterised by a rejection of traditional narratives and a focus on the fragmentation and multiplicity of experience. In this context, the narrative pattern takes on particular significance as a site of contestation and experimentation.

Postmodernist writers often disrupt or subvert traditional narrative patterns, such as by using non-linear structures, unreliable narrators, or multiple perspectives. These techniques can help to destabilise the reader's assumptions about the story and its meaning, and can also reflect the postmodernist emphasis on the contingency and subjectivity of experience.

Overall, the narrative pattern is an important element of storytelling that can help to shape the themes and meanings of a work, and its manipulation can be a powerful tool for exploring and challenging established literary conventions.

5. Is Julian Barnes’s ‘The Only Story’ more on suffering than on love? Explain with the help of 

Greek etymological meaning of ‘passion’ which means ‘suffering’.

In Julian Barnes's "The Only Story," the theme of suffering is closely intertwined with the theme of love. The novel explores the complexities of a romantic relationship between a young man and an older woman, and how their love for each other gradually turns into a source of pain and suffering.

The Greek etymological meaning of the word "passion" is "suffering," which sheds light on the nature of the relationship depicted in the novel. While the initial stages of the couple's relationship are characterized by passion and intense emotions, the relationship ultimately becomes a source of suffering and pain for both individuals involved.

The novel delves into the different forms of suffering that can arise from a romantic relationship, including heartbreak, loss, and regret. Through the character's experiences, the novel explores the complex interplay between love and suffering and how the two are often intertwined.

Overall, while "The Only Story" is a novel about love, it is equally a novel about the human experience of suffering and how it can shape our lives and relationships.

6.How would you prove that Julian Barnes’s ‘The Only Story’ is a memory novel?

Julian Barnes's "The Only Story" is a novel that explores the theme of memory and its role in shaping the present. The narrative is structured around the recollections of the protagonist, Paul, as he reflects on a significant relationship from his youth. Here are a few ways that you could argue that "The Only Story" is a memory novel:

Narrative structure: The novel is structured around Paul's memories of his relationship with Susan. The story is not told in a linear fashion, but rather jumps back and forth between different moments in their relationship, reflecting the fragmented nature of memory.

Reflection and introspection: The novel is primarily concerned with Paul's recollections of his past and his reflections on how those memories have shaped his present. This introspective focus is a hallmark of memory novels, as they often explore how the past continues to influence the present.

Importance of memory: Throughout the novel, Paul emphasizes the importance of memory in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. He repeatedly notes that our memories are not fixed, but are constantly changing and evolving as we revisit them over time.

Symbolism: The novel is rich with symbolism that reinforces its theme of memory. For example, the tennis court where Paul and Susan first met is repeatedly referenced as a symbol of the past and their lost youth.

Unreliable narrator: Paul is an unreliable narrator, and the novel acknowledges this fact. His memories are not always accurate, and he sometimes contradicts himself or offers differing accounts of the same events. This reflects the fallibility of memory and the ways in which it can be influenced by our emotions and biases.

Overall, "The Only Story" is a novel that is deeply concerned with memory and its role in shaping our understanding of ourselves and our world. Its structure, themes, and symbols all contribute to its status as a memory novel.

7. How do you explain ‘rescue fantasy’? [Browse the novel with this key word. Read and explain]

A "rescue fantasy" is a term used to describe a psychological phenomenon where an individual may have a strong desire to be rescued or saved from their current situation or problems. This can manifest in various ways, such as daydreaming about being rescued by a hero, fantasizing about being saved by a romantic partner, or even seeking out dangerous or risky situations in the hope of being rescued.

In literature, a rescue fantasy is a common theme in many novels, especially those that deal with adventure, romance, or suspense. These novels often feature a protagonist who is in a difficult or dangerous situation, and who is then rescued by another character, typically a hero or a love interest.

One example of a novel that explores the rescue fantasy theme is "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer. In the novel, the protagonist Bella is in constant danger from supernatural forces, and is repeatedly saved by her love interest Edward, who is a vampire with superhuman strength and abilities. Bella's desire to be rescued by Edward is a major theme throughout the book, and her reliance on him to protect her ultimately drives much of the plot.

Overall, the rescue fantasy is a complex psychological phenomenon that can manifest in many different ways, both in literature and in real life. While it can provide comfort and a sense of security in certain situations, it is important to recognize when this desire for rescue is not healthy, and to seek out help and support when needed.