Question

Why should a writer use an unreliable narrator carefully, not to excess?

a. If an unreliable narrator is used to excess, it's too hilarious for readers to fully comprehend.
b. If unreliable narrators are used to excess it creates a confusing and fragmented narrative that is too difficult for readers to follow.
c. If your unreliable narrator is used recklessly, he or she can do physical harm to the protagonist.
d. If the narrator is too unreliable, the reader may become unsatisfied because the author never lets ther know what "really happened.

Answer 1

A writer should use an unreliable narrator carefully to avoid creating a narrative that is too confusing for readers to follow, preserving the balance of engagement and clarity. The correct answer is option b.

Step-by-step explanation:

Using an unreliable narrator in literature should be done with caution because if overused, it can create a confusing and fragmented narrative. While an unreliable narrator can add depth and intrigue to a story by providing a skewed or biased perspective, excessive use of this technique may leave the reader unable to follow the plot or discern the truth of the events described. There is a fine balance to maintain; the reader needs to be engaged but not so bewildered that they lose interest or satisfaction in the story. This can be particularly important when dealing with first-person narration, as the reader relies heavily on this character's account of events.

An unreliable narrator like the one in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Purloined Letter", who processes information through a personal and possibly distorted lens, can be compelling, but when taken too far, the reader may become dissatisfied with not understanding what "really happened" in the story. Consequently, writers should use unreliable narrators sparingly and strategically to enhance their narratives without diminishing the reader’s experience.