cyclical narrative

[ˈsɪklɪkəl ˈnærətɪv]
nounpl: cyclical narratives
narrativa cíclica
1. A narrative structure that returns to its starting point, creating a circular pattern where the ending connects back to the beginning, often suggesting repetition, eternal recurrence, or the cyclical nature of life and time
The novel employs a cyclical narrative that begins and ends with the protagonist returning to her childhood home.
O romance utiliza uma narrativa cíclica que começa e termina com a protagonista retornando à sua casa da infância.
2. A storytelling technique where events repeat in patterns or cycles, emphasizing themes of fate, destiny, or the inevitable return of circumstances
The cyclical narrative of the epic poem mirrors the seasons of the year, with each cycle representing a different stage of existence.
A narrativa cíclica do poema épico espelha as estações do ano, com cada ciclo representando um estágio diferente da existência.
The concept of cyclical narrative is particularly relevant in postmodern and contemporary literature, gaining prominence in both American and Brazilian literary traditions. It reflects philosophical interests in time, recurrence, and the non-linear nature of human experience. In Brazilian literature, authors like Clarice Lispector and Lygia Fagundes Telles have employed cyclical structures to explore themes of memory and identity.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
circular narrativering compositionframe narrative with circular structurerecursive narrative
Antonyms / Antônimos
linear narrativeprogressive narrativeopen-ended narrative

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
narrativa cíclica
Standard term used in literary criticism and academic contexts across Brazil
São Paulo
narrativa cíclica
Common in university literature programs and publishing industry
Rio de Janeiro
narrativa cíclica
Used in cinema and television production contexts
Portugal
narrativa cíclica
Identical usage in academic and literary contexts; sometimes referred to as 'estrutura narrativa circular'

Related Words

narrative structureplotcircular structureframe storyeternal recurrencemise en abyme

Related Idioms & Phrases

what goes around comes around
full circle
back to square one
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