Kertooetäisyys

Kertooetäisyys is a Finnish term that translates loosely to "story distance" or "narrative distance." It refers to the perceived gap between the reader and the characters or events within a story. This distance can be influenced by several factors, including the narrative point of view, the author's writing style, and the level of detail provided.

A close kertooetäisyys is achieved when the reader feels intimately connected to the characters. This is often accomplished through first-person narration, where the reader experiences events directly through a character's thoughts and feelings. Stream of consciousness techniques and close third-person narration can also create a sense of intimacy, making the characters feel relatable and their experiences immediate.

Conversely, a greater kertooetäisyys can make characters or events feel more distant or objective. This might occur with omniscient narration, where the narrator knows everything about all characters and events, or through a more detached, descriptive style. This distance can allow for a broader perspective, enabling the author to explore themes and societal commentary more effectively, or it can create a sense of formality or even alienation.

The manipulation of kertooetäisyys is a significant tool for authors to shape the reader's emotional response and understanding of a narrative. By adjusting how close or far they position the reader from the story's core, authors can influence empathy, suspense, and the overall impact of their work. Different genres and narrative goals may call for varying degrees of kertooetäisyys.