Fokalisaation

Fokalisaation, also known as focalization in literary theory, is a concept introduced by French philosopher and literary critic Gérard Genette in his 1972 work *Figures III*. It refers to the perspective from which a narrative is presented to the reader, distinguishing between the narrator, the character, and the implied author. This concept helps analyze how narrative voice shapes meaning and interpretation in a text.

Fokalisaation differs from narration by focusing on the point of view through which events are perceived. In a narrative, the focalizer (or focalizing character) acts as a filter, influencing how information is conveyed to the reader. For example, a first-person narrator serves as the primary focalizer, while an omniscient narrator may adopt multiple focalizers. The choice of focalization affects the reader’s understanding of characters, settings, and plot developments.

Genette identified three primary types of focalization: internal, external, and zero. Internal focalization occurs when the narrator’s perspective aligns with a character’s, limiting the reader’s access to information beyond that character’s perception. External focalization presents a neutral, detached viewpoint, often used in third-person narration where the narrator observes without direct involvement. Zero focalization, meanwhile, occurs when the narrator provides a comprehensive, omniscient perspective, offering full access to all narrative elements.

Fokalisaation plays a crucial role in shaping reader engagement and interpretation. By controlling what information is revealed and how it is framed, the focalizer guides the reader’s emotional and cognitive response to the story. This technique is widely used in fiction, film, and other narrative media to create depth, tension, or ambiguity. Understanding focalization allows readers and analysts to critically examine how narrative structure influences storytelling and meaning.