The Only Story Worksheet:2

 Work sheet: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 the 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 quotation from Julian Barnes's novel "The Only Story," the speaker is reflecting on the nature of love and the inevitable pain that often comes with it. The question posed, "Would you rather love the more, and suffer the more; or love the less, and suffer the less?" forces the reader to consider the trade-off between the intensity of love and the potential for pain.

The speaker acknowledges that this may not be a "real question" in the sense that we do not have complete control over how much we love someone. Love is not a choice that we can easily make or unmake, and it often involves a certain amount of suffering. The speaker suggests that if we could control how much we love, it would not be love at all, but something else entirely.

This quotation highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of love, which can be both beautiful and painful. It speaks to the idea that love involves a certain amount of risk, and that we must be willing to accept the potential for pain if we want to experience the full depth and intensity of love. Ultimately, the quotation suggests that the question of how much we should love is not one that can be easily answered, but rather one that we must each grapple with in our own way.

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

Uncle Humphrey is a minor character in Julian Barnes's novel "The Only Story." He is the uncle of the protagonist, Paul, and is married to Paul's mother's sister, Iris.

Although Uncle Humphrey does not have a significant presence in the novel, he is significant in that he represents a different generation's understanding of love and relationships. Uncle Humphrey is portrayed as a traditionalist who values stability and duty over personal fulfillment and passion. He is content with his marriage to Iris, despite its flaws and limitations, and sees it as his duty to provide for her and their family.

In contrast to Uncle Humphrey's perspective, Paul is portrayed as a young man who is searching for something more in his romantic relationships. He becomes involved in a scandalous affair with a much older married woman, Susan, which challenges traditional notions of love and morality. Uncle Humphrey's character serves as a foil to Paul, highlighting the differences between their generational perspectives on love and relationships.

Furthermore, Uncle Humphrey's character is significant in that he provides a sense of stability and continuity in Paul's life. As Paul's relationship with Susan becomes increasingly tumultuous and destructive, his visits to Uncle Humphrey and Iris's home provide a sense of refuge and normalcy. Uncle Humphrey's steady and reliable presence in the novel serves as a contrast to the turbulent and unpredictable nature of Paul's relationship with Susan.

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 tool of "duration" in narratology refers to the relationship between the time of the story being told (narrative time) and the time it takes to tell the story (discourse time).

In Julian Barnes's novel "The Only Story," the narrative time covers a span of several decades, from the 1960s to the present day. The story is told from the perspective of the protagonist, Paul, as he reflects on his past relationship with a married woman named Susan. The narrative time is non-linear, with Paul jumping back and forth in time as he recounts various events from his relationship with Susan.

The discourse time, on the other hand, is much shorter than the narrative time. The entire novel takes place over the course of several days or weeks, as Paul reflects on his past and his current situation. The events of the novel unfold primarily through Paul's memories and reflections, rather than through action that takes place in the present moment.

Overall, the relationship between narrative time and discourse time in "The Only Story" is complex and multi-layered. The non-linear structure of the narrative time allows for a deeper exploration of Paul's character and his emotional journey, while the compressed discourse time helps to maintain a sense of momentum and urgency in the story. By using a combination of different temporal structures, Barnes is able to create a rich and nuanced portrait of a complex relationship and the impact it has on the lives of those involved.

4. Write brief note on the narrative pattern with its thematic & postmodernist significance: Significant Point in Narrative Pattern Thematic & Postmodernist Significance

1. The narrative pattern of "The Only Story" involves a non-linear structure, with the protagonist Paul jumping back and forth in time as he reflects on various events from his past relationship with Susan. This narrative pattern allows for a deeper exploration of Paul's character and emotional journey, as well as providing insight into the complex nature of relationships and memory.
2. The thematic significance of this narrative pattern is the exploration of memory and the impact it has on our perceptions of the present. By weaving together different moments from the past and present, Barnes suggests that memory is not a fixed or objective record of events, but rather a constantly evolving and subjective experience. The non-linear structure of the narrative highlights the fluidity of memory and the ways in which it shapes our sense of self and relationships.
3. The postmodernist significance of this narrative pattern is its rejection of traditional linear narrative structures and its emphasis on subjectivity and plurality of perspectives. The non-linear structure of the narrative challenges the notion of a single objective truth or reality, instead highlighting the fragmented and subjective nature of human experience. In this way, the narrative pattern of "The Only Story" reflects key postmodernist themes of fragmentation, subjectivity, and the breakdown of traditional narrative forms.
4. Another significant point in the narrative pattern of "The Only Story" is the use of second-person narration in certain sections of the novel. This narrative choice creates a sense of intimacy between the reader and the protagonist, drawing the reader further into Paul's emotional journey. The use of second-person narration also highlights the role of memory and subjectivity in shaping our perceptions of the world, as the reader is invited to inhabit Paul's perspective and experience events through his eyes. Thematic and postmodernist significance of this narrative choice lies in its further exploration of the fluid and subjective nature of memory and identity, challenging the traditional boundaries between reader and narrator, and between past and present.

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’.

Julian Barnes's novel 'The Only Story' is a complex exploration of love and the ways in which it can both elevate and devastate individuals. While the novel does touch upon themes of suffering, it would be inaccurate to say that it is more focused on suffering than love.

The Greek etymological meaning of the word 'passion', which refers to suffering, can certainly be applied to the novel's portrayal of love. The protagonist, Paul, experiences a deep and consuming passion for a woman named Susan, which ultimately leads to both joy and heartbreak. His passion for her is all-consuming, and it drives him to make choices that have profound consequences for both of them.

However, it is important to note that the novel is not solely focused on suffering. Rather, it is a nuanced exploration of the complexities of love and the ways in which it can shape and transform individuals. While there are certainly moments of heartbreak and despair, there are also moments of beauty and transcendence.

In summary, while suffering is certainly a part of the novel's portrayal of love, it would be inaccurate to say that it is more focused on suffering than love. The novel is a complex and multifaceted exploration of the joys and sorrows of human relationships, and it offers a nuanced and thought-provoking examination of the nature of love.

6. How would you prove that Julian Barnes’s ‘The Only Story’ is a memory novel? Imp point in the trajectory Illustrations from the novel

There are several ways to argue that Julian Barnes's novel 'The Only Story' is a memory novel. One key aspect of memory novels is that they are structured around the protagonist's recollection of past events, and this is certainly true of 'The Only Story'. Throughout the novel, the protagonist, Paul, reflects on his past experiences with Susan and the ways in which their relationship has shaped his life.

One important illustration of the novel's focus on memory is the way in which it is structured. The novel is divided into three parts, each of which represents a different stage in Paul and Susan's relationship. The first part focuses on their initial meeting and the early stages of their romance, the second part explores their more mature relationship and the challenges they face, and the third part deals with the aftermath of their relationship and Paul's attempts to come to terms with what has happened.

Another key aspect of memory novels is the use of narrative unreliability. In 'The Only Story', Paul's memories are shown to be subjective and fallible, and there are moments when he acknowledges that his recollection of events may not be entirely accurate. For example, he acknowledges that his memory of Susan may be distorted by his own desires and emotions.

Additionally, the novel is full of vivid and detailed descriptions of the places and events that are important to Paul's memories. Whether he is describing the tennis club where he and Susan first met, the flat they shared in London, or the countryside retreat where they spent their final days together, Barnes's prose is evocative and richly detailed, creating a vivid sense of the past that Paul is trying to recapture.

Finally, the trajectory of the novel itself, with its exploration of memory and the ways in which our past experiences shape our present, is a strong argument for its classification as a memory novel. Ultimately, 'The Only Story' is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the power of memory and the enduring impact of our past experiences.

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

'Rescue fantasy' is a term used to describe a common trope in literature and other forms of storytelling where one character, typically a woman, is rescued or saved by another character, typically a man. The rescued character is often portrayed as helpless or vulnerable, and the rescuer is depicted as heroic and strong.

In the context of Julian Barnes's novel 'The Only Story', the idea of rescue fantasy is explored through the character of Susan. Throughout the novel, Susan is portrayed as a woman who is struggling to find meaning and purpose in her life. She is trapped in a loveless marriage, and her attempts to break free from her situation are met with resistance from her family and society at large.

Paul, the novel's protagonist, is initially drawn to Susan because he sees her as a kind of damsel in distress, someone who needs to be rescued from her unhappy life. He sees himself as the hero who can save her and make her happy, and this becomes the driving force behind their relationship.

However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that the rescue fantasy is a flawed and problematic idea. Susan is not simply a helpless victim who needs to be rescued; she is a complex and multifaceted person with her own desires and ambitions. Likewise, Paul's attempts to rescue her are not always well-intentioned or successful, and their relationship becomes increasingly strained as a result.

Ultimately, 'The Only Story' can be seen as a critique of the rescue fantasy trope and the way in which it reinforces harmful gender stereotypes. The novel challenges the idea that women need to be rescued by men, and it suggests that true love and connection can only be found through mutual respect and understanding.