Understanding Focalization: Narrator vs. Focalizer

Narrator vs. Focalizer: Defining Perspective

In all stories, the narrative is told from a specific point of view. This discourse is shaped by a perspective that is not always identical to the narrator; instead, the narrator may utilize a focalizer to convey the story.

It is essential to distinguish between the narrator (who speaks) and the focalizer (who sees). The point of view and the vision presented are conditioned by factors such as social status, education, and background. Consequently, a story told by a high-class character will differ significantly from one told by a servant.

The Three Facets of Focalization

Focalization is categorized into three primary facets: Perceptual, Psychological, and Ideological.

1. Perceptual Focalization

This facet consists of two components: space and time.

• Space:
  • External: A "bird’s-eye view" where the focalizer is positioned above the objects, allowing for a simultaneous view of events.
  • Internal: Limited to a single character's perspective; the reader only perceives what that specific character sees.
• Time:
  • Panchronic: The focalizer possesses knowledge of the past, present, and future.
  • Synchronic: The focalizer is restricted to the present moment.

2. Psychological Focalization

This concerns the focalizer's internal state, including their mind and emotions.

• Cognitive Component (Knowledge, Memory, Belief):
  • External: The focalizer is omniscient and knows everything that will happen.
  • Internal: Knowledge is limited to the character's own perceptions.
• Emotive Component:
  • External Focalizer: Objective and neutral; the focalizer is not involved in the story and remains unconditioned.
  • Internal Focalizer: Subjective; the focalizer is "contaminated" by their role, actions, age, and ideology within the story.

3. Ideological Focalization

The narration depends entirely on the focalizer's belief system. Their way of thinking dictates how they interpret events. For instance, a wealthy character may view an eight-hour workday as insufficient, while a laborer might view anything beyond eight hours as excessive. Ultimately, the narrative is filtered through the character's personal convictions.