Dual narrative
A narrative structure that interweaves two distinct storylines, perspectives, or timeframes, moving between them throughout the text. Dual narratives create comparison, irony, or complexity by showing events or themes from multiple angles.
Real World
In A Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood alternates between Offred's present-tense Gilead experiences and her fragmented memories of life before, so each timeline recontextualises and deepens the other.
Exam Focus
Analyse the juxtaposition between the two narratives — always explain what meaning the contrast creates.
How well did you know this?