Final answer:
The type of narrator used in a text can vary, including a first-person, second-person, or third-person (limited or omniscient) perspective. An omniscient narrator is often most reliable, while a fragmented narrative style may influence the reader's perception of the story. It's also crucial to distinguish between the narrator and the author of the text.
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of Narration in Literature
Understanding the type of narrator used in a text is crucial for analyzing the story's delivery and interpreting its meaning. A narrator might be a character within the story or might not appear in the story at all. Narrators can also be subjective or objective, trusted or unreliable. There are different points of view in narrative texts, such as the first-person, where 'I' or 'we' are used; second-person, which is less common and utilizes 'you' to directly engage the reader. Lastly, there is third-person narration, which can either be limited to a single character's perspective or omniscient, where the narrator has complete knowledge of all characters and events.
An omniscient narrator can provide a reliable viewpoint by presenting all facts of a story, while an unreliable narrator may present a skewed or biased interpretation. Furthermore, certain texts may employ multiple narrators, allowing the reader to gain a multifaceted view of the narrative. It's important to remember that the narrator is not the author; the narrator is a construct within the story, whereas the author is creating the story.
The voice of the narrator and the style of the narrative can significantly impact the reader's experience. A fragmented narrative style, for example, can create an intriguing, complex reading experience that engages the reader's attention, but it can also be disorienting. Hence, when conducting a close reading, not only should one pay attention to major plot points and themes but also to who is telling the story and from which perspective.