EDUCATION

Seven Types of Unreliable Narrators You Must Know About

Published

7 months ago

September 11, 2024

Authors use different literary devices to keep the reader engaged and at the edge of their seats. Among various literary devices, unreliable narrators stand out for authors aiming to create a lasting impact on readers by keeping them guessing at every turn.

An unreliable character lies to or misleads the reader to create doubt in the narrative. Such doubt forces the readers to come to their own conclusions to be affirmed or denied as the story progresses.

Before you consider writing unreliable narratives for your upcoming masterpiece, here are the types you must know about.

1. Manipulative Narrator

Authors often deliberately design characters in a way that manipulates the readers. As the name suggests, a manipulative narrator not only deceives the characters in the fictional world but also the readers in the real world.

The manipulative narrator keeps the readers and characters on the edge of their seats alike. Their manipulative personalities often lead to surprising twists and turns, leaving the readers shocked and surprised.

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane showcases a primary example of manipulative narrators. Throughout the story, Teddy Daniels’ perspective is manipulated, leading to a dramatic revelation about his true identity to the readers.

2. Memory-Impaired Narrator

Adding a character to your story with impaired memory can make things a lot more complex and engaging. Whether due to dementia or any other cognitive disabilities, memory-impaired characters add a layer of mystery to a work of fiction.

The reader’s perception often fills the gaps created by the narrator’s memory impairment. Sometimes, the reader may be able to piece the true sequence of events together from the fragments of what the narrator shared. Even if they fail to guess, you will be there to reveal the important information to them.

Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson is a significant example of this genre. The narrator, Christine Lucas, experiences amnesia each day. Her fragmented memories and journal entries create a complex and unreliable account of her life and the people around her.

3. Fragmented Narrator

When you look up examples of what makes a narrator unreliable, Ulysses by James Joyce may be the first example you come across. In Ulysses, James Joyce leverages a stream-of-consciousness technique to present scrappy thoughts and perceptions. This work is considered to be a primary example of the fragmented narrator.

Fragmented narrators create a non-linear story for the readers, often by mirroring the character’s mental state. In such circumstances, the readers are on their own to reconstruct the narrative and interpret the underlying connections and meanings.

The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner is another great example of fragmented narrative through a stream-of-consciousness technique. Benjy’s narrative is fragmented due to his cognitive impairment, and Quentin’s account is influenced by his psychological distress. Both characters require readers to navigate an unreliable depiction of the Compson family’s decline.

4. Delusional Narrator

A delusional character is another example of an unreliable narrator to consider for your fiction work. Whether due to mental illness or skewed perceptions, these narrators are convinced of a reality that is not aligned with the actual events.

Readers remain highly engaged while reading from the perspective of a delusional narrator, their misinterpretations, and misunderstandings. They have to navigate through the delusions of the narrators to uncover the truth.

The first example that comes to an avid reader’s mind while thinking about a delusional character is One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey. In the novel, a patient named Chief Bromden experiences hallucinations and delusions. These episodes shape his perception of the institution and its staff.

5. Lying Narrator

Another type of unreliable narrator that can enhance your fiction plot is a lying narrator. This narrator distorts the truth or fabricates information to mislead characters and readers. Their actions may be rooted in different motives, such as revenge or manipulation of other characters.

Talking about lying narrators, one cannot overlook Gillian Flynn’s masterpiece, Gone Girl. Flynn’s character, Amy Dunne, is a prime example of a lying narrator. She manipulates the narrative of her own disappearance and her husband’s perception.

Characters like Amy Dunne always keep the readers on the edge of their seats. The readers question the validity of every bit of information provided at every turn. Eventually, the reality unfolds only when the author decides that it’s the right time.

6. The Naïve Narrator

A naïve narrator is someone with limited life experience, such as children. Due to a lack of maturity or life experience, naïve narrators present a limited version of reality. These narrators are best understood by readers who are willing to fill in the gaps with the complex realities of the adult world.

While reading about naive characters and their experiences, readers are burdened by the duty of interpreting the world through the narrator’s limited perspective. This approach lets the reader see the contrast between the naïve narrator’s innocence and reality.

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold is an outstanding example of showing the readers what seeing the world through a limited perspective feels like. Susie Salmon, a murdered young girl, narrates from the afterlife with a limited understanding of the adult world and its impact on her death.

7. Psychologically Disturbed Narrator

Adding complexity to your fiction plot becomes easily achievable with psychologically disturbed narrators. Whether paranoia, hallucinations, or dissociative personality disorder, a psychologically disturbed narrator may suffer from one or multiple mental health issues. These issues go on to affect the narrator’s perception of reality, making it fragmented and even unsettling at times.

The narrative of a psychologically disturbed narrator provides the reader with a unique perspective. It is an opportunity for the reader to see the world differently. It means that the narrator’s psychological complexities will shape the lens you will read through.

One cannot overlook Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk while discussing psychologically disturbed narrators. This novel features a narrator with dissociative identity disorder, which causes a fragmented sense of self and reality, making it challenging for readers to follow the plot.

EDUCATION

The Role of Case Briefs in Legal Education and Public Policy

Published

3 weeks ago

March 13, 2025

Sting Fellows

Have you ever struggled to make sense of a long, complex court ruling? Legal decisions can be overwhelming, filled with technical language and lengthy arguments.

That’s where case briefs come in. They break down important rulings into simple, clear summaries. Law students use them to study, and policymakers rely on them to shape better laws.

Understanding case briefs isn’t just for lawyers-it helps anyone interested in how laws evolve. In this article, we’ll explore their role in legal education and public policy.

Enhancing Legal Education

Case briefs help law students understand legal concepts. They present court decisions in a clear and structured format. This allows students to focus on key legal principles without unnecessary details.

Law schools use case briefs to teach students how to analyze rulings. Students learn how judges interpret laws and apply precedents. This process builds a strong foundation for legal practice.

Developing Critical Thinking

Writing case papers helps students learn how to spot problems with the law. They have to list the facts, the choice, and the reasoning behind it. This helps them think more clearly and make better legal cases.

Students learn how to solve problems by reading and thinking about case papers. They learn how to simplify things by taking the most important parts out. You need this skill to argue your case and make legal choices.

Educating the Public

Case briefs make legal decisions easier to understand. They summarize court rulings in a clear and concise way. This helps the public stay informed about important legal matters.

Some landmark cases have shaped public understanding of legal rights. The Miranda v Arizona case brief explains how the Supreme Court established the requirement for law enforcement to inform suspects of their rights. Journalists and activists use this case to educate people about due process and protections against self-incrimination.

Aiding Legal Research

Case briefs help lawyers and scholars conduct research. They summarize cases in a structured way, making it easy to find relevant information. This speeds up the research process and improves accuracy.

Legal researchers depend on case briefs to understand how courts interpret laws. They compare different rulings to find patterns and legal trends. This helps them build stronger legal arguments and strategies.

Influencing Public Policy

Policymakers use case briefs to understand legal precedents. These summaries explain how courts interpret laws and constitutional rights. This knowledge helps shape new policies and reforms.

Advocacy groups rely on case briefs to support their positions. They use legal rulings to argue for changes in laws and regulations. This process ensures that policies align with established legal principles.

Shaping Justice One Ruling at a Time

Case briefs are more than study tools or legal summaries; they are the foundation of informed decision-making. They train minds to think critically, equipping students, lawyers, and policymakers with the ability to navigate complex legal landscapes. In a world where law evolves with society, these briefs ensure that knowledge keeps pace with change.

Beyond the classroom and courtroom, case briefs influence how justice is understood and applied. They turn past rulings into future guidelines, shaping policies that impact lives.

Did this article expand your knowledge? If so, don’t forget to visit our blog for further educational material.

EDUCATION

Key Differences Between an MBA and a Master’s Degree Explained

Published

3 weeks ago

March 13, 2025

Sting Fellows

Ready to take your career to the next level? The decision to pursue a higher level of education can be daunting, especially when faced with the choice between an MBA and a Master’s degree. Both offer a wealth of opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills, but understanding the key differences between the two is crucial in determining which path is right for you.

In this post, we will explore the key differences between an MBA and a Master’s degree. Read on.

Focus of Study

The most significant difference between an MBA and a Master’s degree lies in the focus of study. An MBA is specifically designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the business world. It combines theory with practical skills in:

management
marketing
finance
organizational behavior

MBA programs often emphasize real-world case studies and networking opportunities with industry professionals. On the other hand, a general Master’s degree offers more specialized knowledge in a specific field, such as:

economics
engineering
psychology

These programs tend to focus on the in-depth theoretical and technical knowledge required for careers in those fields. This is without necessarily preparing students for management roles. Take your time and research in choosing between MBA or Master’s Degree.

Career Goals and Outcomes

An MBA is ideal for those aiming to develop business and leadership skills for management or executive roles. Graduates of MBA programs often move into high-level positions such as:

CEOs
marketing directors
financial analysts
consultants

The skills learned in an MBA program are intended to prepare students for broad, versatile careers in business and management. These are such as:

strategic thinking
problem-solving
leadership

In contrast, a general Master’s degree is more focused on expertise in a particular subject area. Those pursuing a Master’s in fields like engineering, education, or the sciences are typically preparing for specialized roles in their respective industries. The career outcomes may involve roles such as:

researchers
engineers
specialized consultants

This is rather than broad leadership positions.

Duration and Structure

MBA programs typically take about two years to complete if pursued full-time. However, many schools offer part-time or executive MBA options, which allow students to balance work and study. The structure of an MBA program is often designed to be highly flexible, with a mix of:

lectures
group work
internships or project-based assignments

In contrast, the duration of a general Master’s degree program varies depending on the field of study. Master’s degrees in fields like humanities or social sciences can take one to two years.

This is while degrees in technical or scientific disciplines may take longer. These programs are usually more focused on academic research and specialized coursework.

Prerequisites and Admission Requirements

Admission requirements also differ between the two. An MBA typically requires applicants to have several years of professional work experience, as well as a strong undergraduate academic background. Many MBA programs also require standardized test scores (such as the GMAT), along with a personal statement and letters of recommendation.

On the other hand, a general Master’s degree often has more flexible admission criteria, especially if the field does not require professional experience. While some programs may still require GRE or other standardized tests, many are more focused on academic qualifications than work experience.

Choose the Right Career Path

Ultimately, the decision between an MBA and a general Master’s degree depends on your career aspirations. Both offer valuable opportunities, but it’s important to align your decision with your long-term professional goals. Take your time in choosing the best options.

If you want to read more articles, visit our blog.

EDUCATION

Boost Classroom Safety With Device Security Solutions

Published

2 months ago

January 29, 2025

Sting Fellows

In today’s classrooms, technology plays a big role. Yet, how can we ensure safety with all these devices? With the rise of mobile devices, schools must think about their protection.

How can we improve school security measures in this digital age? The answer lies in device security solutions. These tools can help protect devices from misuse, loss, or damage.

So, how can these solutions help boost classroom safety? Let’s dive in.

Why Device Security Is Important in Classrooms

Classroom safety extends beyond physical protection. Protecting digital devices is equally important. With students using various mobile devices, securing them helps prevent misuse.

These devices contain valuable data, which can be vulnerable without proper protection. Devices may also get lost or damaged.

School security measures must include software and hardware solutions. This keeps both personal information and learning tools safe. Teachers can focus on education, knowing that devices are secure.

Device Lockers and Safe Storage Systems

One solution to improve classroom safety is using device lockers. Locking devices in a secure area prevents theft and damage. Many schools now use digital storage systems for this purpose.

These lockers often have a built-in charging station. This allows devices to charge safely without taking up too much space.

These secure lockers also reduce distractions during lessons. Students can access their devices whenever needed. This helps keep the classroom organized and safe.

Secure Device Charging for Effective Management and Protection

Secure device charging plays a key role in maintaining device safety. Charging stations that safeguard devices while powering them reduce potential risks. Without these secure systems, devices left unattended are vulnerable to damage or theft.

The right charging stations ensure that devices receive proper power. These keep them ready for use.

Mobile charging solutions provide a reliable way to keep devices powered. They also help keep devices secure and organized.

This balance of functionality and security helps maintain a safe and efficient environment. It ensures that devices are always charged and protected.

Using Software to Secure Devices

In addition to physical security measures, software can help protect devices. Installing monitoring software allows teachers to track usage and manage access. School security measures also include:

setting up firewalls
anti-virus programs
encryption

This helps ensure students and teachers have secure access to learning tools. Limiting unauthorized access also helps protect sensitive information. With secure devices, schools can foster a more focused, safe classroom environment.

Regular Maintenance and Device Audits

Regular maintenance and audits play a significant role in device security. Checking devices frequently helps identify potential issues early. This can include software updates, security patches, or physical damage.

By staying on top of these tasks, schools maintain a safe classroom environment. Scheduled device audits also ensure that all devices are accounted for. This reduces the chances of losing or misplacing valuable educational tools.

Strengthening Classroom Safety Through Innovation

Implementing strong device security solutions boosts classroom safety. When schools use the right tools, they protect devices and students. A safe classroom environment supports learning without distractions.

Device lockers, mobile charging solutions, and software security work together. Together, these measures ensure that learning remains safe and efficient.

By updating security protocols, schools can stay ahead of risks. A secure classroom environment promotes learning and encourages responsibility.

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