Abstract：Abstract: The emergence and rise of unnatural narratology as a sub-strand of western postclassical narratology has been a noticeable phenomenon in the Western narrative studies academia during the past decade. However, the rapid expansion of unnatural narratology in the context of postclassical narratology goes in parallel with the constant questioning of unnatural narratology’s legitimacy as a budding narrative research paradigm. Scholars not only question the validity of “anti-mimetic narrative” but also criticize the differences among different unnatural narratologists in terms of relevant concepts and research methods. This article, through delineating the critical trajectory of related issues, suggests that “antimimetic narrative” opens new spaces for narrative studies. In addition, the conceptual and methodological differences among different unnatural narratologists do not constitute conflicts; instead, they complement each other and present concerted impetus for the growth of unnatural narratology.
Key words: unnatural narratology; antimimetic; impossibility
