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Free indirect discourse

Device
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A narrative technique blending third-person narration with first-person thought, often used in poetry as well as prose

Detailed Definition
Free indirect discourse is a narrative technique blending the narrator’s voice with a character’s inner thoughts, allowing subtle shifts in perspective without quotation marks. In poetry, it can layer personal and external viewpoints, adding depth to characterization.
Example
Example in poetry:
Narrator’s description merging with character thoughts; Perspective shifting subtly between speaker and subject; Expressive lines containing dual voices; Omitting formal speech markers
Additional Notes
Free indirect discourse blends third-person narration with a character’s thoughts or voice without quotation. Related to free indirect speech. Creates psychological intimacy—look for shifts in diction or syntax that reveal inner perspective within external framing.
Also Known As
Blended narration Interior monologue fusion Perspective merging Free indirect style
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