On the importance of the iceberg technique or theory of omission as a narrative resource

Following the definition of the “iceberg” theory, or theory of omission, we analyze its application in short stories and novels. The aim is to demonstrate its impact on the handling of suspense through its integration into the structure of fiction. As we shall see, the theory of omission influences...

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Bibliographic Details
Author: Huárag Álvarez, Eduardo
Format: article
Status:Published version
Publication Date:2024
Country:Perú
Institution:Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
Repository:Revistas - Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
Language:Spanish
OAI Identifier:oai:ojs.pkp.sfu.ca:article/31151
Online Access:http://revistas.pucp.edu.pe/index.php/revistaira/article/view/31151
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Technique
Fiction
Suspense
Suggestion
Art
Técnica
Narración
Suspenso
Sugerencia
Arte
Description
Summary:Following the definition of the “iceberg” theory, or theory of omission, we analyze its application in short stories and novels. The aim is to demonstrate its impact on the handling of suspense through its integration into the structure of fiction. As we shall see, the theory of omission influences the management of suspense, depending on the author’s creativity and the judicious withholding of information. In some cases, such information is entirely omitted. Thus, the iceberg theory is realized, an element that reveals only a fraction of its entirety, and by applying this principle, the primary event or incident remains elusive.