| This study proposes that narrated thought (i.e. a story depicting an intellectual quest) and sequential argument have similar structure. The first part is a theoretical comparison of plot and argument and proposes the following. (1) Both plot and argument comprise wholes because they are teleological. Narrated thought has a cognitive goal, as does argument. (2) Actions occur for, and proofs draw upon, necessary or probable reasons. Narrated thought has both contingent logical and temporal succession. (3) Language gives form to both: both may have grammatical peak. Narrated thought has theme tracking which is similar to argument; it has a clear cognitive eventline; and its cognitive conclusions can be stated as affirmations or denials. (4) Both plot and argument move from phases of complication to resolution. These phases can be expanded into distinct stages. Recursion accounts for complexity in both. (5) Both have similar functions: awareness of context, encountering an anomaly, reacting psychologically, proposing a goal, formulating a strategy, fulfilling prerequisites, attempting to actualize the goal, and evaluating the outcome.;The second part attempts to verify this theory by comparing two texts by C. S. Lewis. The texts have different themes: the narrative depicts his personal quest for aesthetic reality (Joy); the argument seeks to determine the nature of morality (Goodness). However, clear similarities appear--especially upon examining their stages. In the Setting, the themes are introduced as experiences and defined as Ideas. In the Inciting Incident, a dilemma emerges: Joy is fleeting and Goodness is difficult to embody. In the Developing Conflict stage, a series of attempts to grasp the nature of the Ideas fails, leading to the Climax. In the Denouement, an investigation into the reality behind the Ideas is made, using an experiential method. He concludes that Joy is not an object of desire, but desire for an Object; similarly, subjective moral experience is inspired by Objective Goodness. In the Final Suspense stage, while inquiring into the Object's nature, he finds the Object uncomfortably inquiring into his/our nature. In the Conclusion, the initial dilemma is resolved within a new paradigm. Then, a brief discussion summarizes the significance of this study. |
