verteldingswijze

Verteldingswijze, a Dutch term, refers to the narrative mode or technique employed in storytelling. It encompasses the specific way a story is presented to the reader or listener, influencing their perception and understanding of events, characters, and themes. This encompasses various elements such as the point of view, the use of tenses, the selection of details, and the overall structure of the narrative.

The most common point of view is first-person narration, where the story is told by a character within the narrative using "ik" (I). This offers an intimate and subjective perspective. Third-person narration, using "hij," "zij," or "het" (he, she, or it), can be omniscient, knowing everything about all characters, or limited, focusing on the thoughts and feelings of one or a few characters. Second-person narration, using "jij" or "u" (you), is less common but directly addresses the reader, drawing them into the story as a participant.

The choice of tense, such as past tense ("verleden tijd") or present tense ("tegenwoordige tijd"), significantly impacts the immediacy and flow of the narrative. The verteldingswijze also involves decisions about what information to reveal and when, creating suspense, foreshadowing, or surprise. The overall organization of events, whether chronological or employing flashbacks and flashforwards, further shapes the storytelling experience. Understanding the verteldingswijze is crucial for analyzing literature and appreciating the author's craft in shaping a story's impact.