Narrative Time Between Structure and Meaning in The Dark Times by Talib Imran

Abstract

     Time is a crucial element in shaping narrative discourse, influencing both structure and meaning. This study examines the relationship between temporal and semantic structures in The Dark Times by Talib Imran, adopting a descriptive-analytical approach based on Gérard Genette’s theories. Modern novels, unlike classical ones, no longer adhere to linear chronology. Instead, they disrupt temporal sequences, challenging causality. Talib Imran is among the novelists who manipulate time structurally, breaking linear order and creating contrasts between story time and narrative time for deeper meanings. The study finds that the novel follows a circular temporal structure, reinforcing its central theme: the conflict between modernity and tradition. This circularity reflects a dialectical interplay of time, disrupting conventional chronology. Techniques such as flashbacks and foreshadowing create temporal paradoxes, particularly through retrospection, as the novel recounts the autobiographical journey of its protagonist, Shibli Abdullah. Imran employs diverse temporal techniques: summary and omission accelerate the narrative, while pauses and scenes slow it down. This variation enhances both the novel’s structure and its socio-psychological depth, breaking textual monotony. The interplay of time in the novel thus serves both artistic and thematic purposes, reinforcing its exploration of identity and heritage.