Narrative and the Self – Anthony Paul Kerby – 1991
Narrative and the Self
Anthony Paul Kerby’s Narrative and the Self examines the fundamental role of storytelling in the construction of individual identity. The work moves beyond viewing narrative simply as a means of communicating events, instead positing it as the very process *through which* we experience and understand ourselves. Kerby explores how individuals actively shape their life stories, selectively remembering, interpreting, and re-presenting events to create a coherent, meaningful sense of self. This isn’t a passive recollection, but a dynamic, ongoing process of self-creation. The book draws upon insights from philosophy, psychology, and literary theory to demonstrate that the self is not a pre-existing entity discovered through narrative, but rather a narrative construct itself.
Historical / Cultural Context
Published in 1991, Narrative and the Self emerged within a growing field of study concerning the relationship between language, thought, and identity. It builds upon earlier work in phenomenology and existentialism, such as that of Paul Ricoeur and Maurice Merleau-Ponty, which emphasized the embodied and situated nature of human experience. Simultaneously, it responds to the rise of narratology in literary studies, adapting its analytical tools to understand the internal, psychological narratives that shape individual lives. The increasing emphasis on subjectivity and self-reflexivity in postmodern thought also provides a crucial backdrop. The book’s relevance lies in its contribution to understanding how individuals make sense of trauma, cope with change, and navigate the complexities of modern life through the creation and maintenance of personal narratives. It reflects a broader cultural shift towards recognizing the power and malleability of subjective experience.
Who This Book Is For
This work is best suited for readers with an interest in the intersection of psychology, philosophy, and literary theory. It will appeal to those studying narrative theory, identity formation, and the psychology of storytelling. While the concepts can be challenging, the book is accessible to motivated general readers interested in understanding the deeper mechanisms of self-perception and how our personal stories shape our lives. It is frequently assigned in advanced undergraduate and graduate courses related to these fields.
Further Reading
- Paul Ricoeur, Time and Narrative: A seminal work exploring the relationship between time, history, and storytelling.
- Jerome Bruner, Actual Minds, Possible Worlds: Examines the role of narrative in cognitive development and meaning-making.
- Howard Gardner, Creating Minds: Investigates the biographical roots of creativity and the shaping of individual narratives.
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