Tzvetan Todorov's Theory on Narrative

    According to Todorov, narratives, particularly in literature, can be understood through a structure that involves three key phases: the uncanny, the marvelous, and the fantastic. In the initial phase, the uncanny, the narrative introduces a seemingly supernatural event or element that disrupts the ordinary world. This creates a sense of hesitation and doubt in both the characters and the audience.

    The second phase, the marvelous, involves the characters' attempts to rationalize or explain the uncanny events using logical, naturalistic explanations. However, these explanations are ultimately inadequate, leading to a sense of wonder and awe. The third phase, the fantastic proper, is marked by the coexistence of both supernatural and natural explanations without a clear resolution. The narrative remains in a state of ambiguity, leaving the audience in suspense and uncertainty. Todorov argues that this oscillation between belief and doubt is a fundamental aspect of the fantastic genre.

    Todorov's theory has been influential in literary and cultural studies, providing a framework for analyzing the dynamics of narrative structure and the ways in which authors engage with the mysterious and the unknown in their works.