Non-narrativist

A non-narrativist is an individual, perspective, or methodology that rejects or significantly downplays the importance of narrative structure, storytelling, and linear timelines in the understanding, analysis, or creation of meaning, knowledge, or art. This stance often prioritizes other forms of organization, such as thematic coherence, spatial relationships, conceptual frameworks, or direct sensory experience, over traditional narrative conventions. Non-narrativism can manifest in various fields, from philosophy and literature to art and film, offering alternative approaches to constructing and interpreting the world. It emphasizes fragmentation, simultaneity, and the subjective experience over a singular, coherent, and sequentially unfolding story.

Non-narrativist meaning with examples

• The experimental film embraced a non-narrativist approach, presenting a series of abstract visuals and sounds that evoked emotion and thought without adhering to a traditional plot or character development. Viewers were invited to interpret the work based on their personal experiences and perceptions. The lack of a clear narrative created a unique engagement.
• Rejecting the conventional historical account, the historian adopted a non-narrativist framework, analyzing the social and economic conditions of the time through statistical data, maps, and fragmented primary sources. This approach de-emphasized the importance of individual figures and major events, concentrating on broader societal trends.
• The composer's music intentionally subverted narrative expectations, crafting a series of sonic textures and fragmented melodies that did not follow any identifiable musical plot. This non-narrativist composition aimed to capture the immediacy of emotions and ideas.
• The architectural design prioritized spatial relationships and functionality over storytelling. Instead of presenting a linear progression, the building offered a complex web of interconnected spaces intended to be experienced simultaneously. This reflected a clear non-narrativist philosophy.