Blurring focalization: psychological expansions of point of view and modality

Abstract

This paper revises how the expansion of analysis beyond the classic perceptual facet creates problems in narratological models of focalization. The difficulties in maintaining the original ideals of "grammatical" objectivity and typological neatness are illustrated by the comparatively more problematic (or less satisfactory) reductiveness of the attempts to implement psychological distinctions. The possibility of applying Fowler's "mindstyle" and Lindemann's "mindscape", as well as more sophisticated typologies using modality (Simpson's and Dolezel's) are discussed. The analytical problems raised are illustrated by a methodologically oriented study of a story by Graham Greene ("I Spy").