On the role of time, re-presentation, and self-conscious narrators in postmodern narrative

Abstract In the past, I have published papers on the use of language within the realm of fictional narratives, how the structure of postmodern films and novels operates to affect the reader or viewer, and on the purely objective worlds constructed within the confines of literature. Most recently, I submitted a newly written paper to my friend Paul Cobley for his casual feedback. He got back promptly, saying only that the paper did not have enough references. I pressed Paul: Was it not possible to write a philosophy paper where one just philosophized, without alluding to things written on the subject matter in the past, and wasn’t it ok not to cite references if you came up with the idea independent of any outside reading? His reply was: “No.” Time passed, and I was asked to write this article celebrating Paul’s 60th birthday. Looking for something I hadn’t read already, I discovered his book, Narrative (2014). This paper addresses one of the reference entries most definitely missing from my prior investigations on literature and cinema, one which should have informed – and now does my own thoughts on fiction and film.