The Psychological Dimension of the Internal Narrator in the Modern Emirati Novel: A Critical Study of Rose's Diary

Abstract

This research explores the psychological impact of the internal narrator in the modern Emirati novel, with a specific focus on Rose's Diary" by Reem Al Kamali. The narrator is considered a fundamental element in the narrative structure—not merely a transmitter of events, but a key contributor to character development and the progression of the plot. The research showed that the narrator in modern fiction differs significantly from that in traditional narratives, as the internal narrator is often an imagined voice carrying symbolic, psychological and social connotations. The use of such a narrator contributes to the construction of narrative space, grants characters deeper dimensions, and evokes emotional engagement from the reader. Furthermore, the research indicates that the character interacts with and is influenced by the narrator, whose voice reflects the character's psychological state and shapes their behavior and thoughts. The narrator also influences the structure and sequencing of events, which in turn generate meaning and nuance within the text.

Through an analysis of the narrator's functions and narrative signs in "Rose's Diary", the study highlights how the internal narrator reflects the complex psychological state of the protagonist, Rose, who oscillates between feelings of injustice, sadness, pain and a longing for love. The narrator's perspective represents an opportunity to communicate with the character's inner world and discover new aspects of his personality. In light of this, the research relied on both the inductive and descriptive-analytical approaches, along with psychological and sociological methods, to offer a deeper understanding of the characters and the surrounding societal context. It seeks to present a fresh perspective that emphasizes the narrator's role as an active agent in shaping the narrative and influencing the psychological portrayal of characters.

Finally, it concludes with several recommendations, including the need for further research on the psychological functions of narrators in modern Emirati novel, deeper analysis of the narrator-character relationship from various critical lenses, and exploration of how Emirati novelists employ modern narrative techniques in their works.