Utilization of Narrative Conventions in ‘fearless’ by Tim Lott

‘Fearless’ is a captivating dystopian themed novel which is epitomised by bureaucratic control in the narrative, as the government manipulates their citizens to an illusion of a perfect society through the means of oppressive societal control. This story has been carefully crafted by British author Tim Lott and was released in 2007. This typically can continue due to state propaganda about an exaggerated worst-case scenario. This mirrors the nightmarish reigns of Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin. This young adult, science-fiction novel captures the hardships of the protagonist – ‘Little Fearless’ a young woman that has been involuntary placed into an ‘institute.’ This institute holds 1,000 girls effectively captivate, under the control of the antagonist the ‘Controller’. Narrative conventions are elements and techniques employed by the author to elaborate on ideas such as; political, economic or social views. They include such things such as setting, characterisation, plot/conflict, theme and point of view. Yet undoubtedly the most prevalent of which in is narrative are; setting and conflict.

The ‘City Community Faith School for Retraining, Opportunity And Hope’ is also known as the ‘Institute’, which is really a jai-like setting where 1,000 are essentially treated as slaves under the rule of the ‘Controller. This is the main setting for this fable and it plays a pivotal role in the story.” The institute presented itself artfully to the outside world” describes ‘Fearless’. The institute is surrounded by high perimeter walls made of metal pale pink stone covered in ivy”. This creates a setting which divides individuals based on age and status. This location has a sense of isolation and tries to psychologically break down its inhabitants. This creates a self-sustaining community that has a social hierarchy, between the X-girls, Y-girls, Z-girls and the controller. Thus, increasing tension between characters that the reader can identify and can empathise with.

Conflict is what propels the narrative further, specifically, ‘Fearless’ questioning her path to righteousness. She is faced with a dilemma near the tail-end of the story – go to the Sunlands once more and endanger her peers because of her actions or forever stay within the confines of the Institute. This is called internal conflict, when a character is faced with a problem and consequences will arise upon their decisions. This is clearly shown when she contemplates her decision at a crucial moment on page 155.”It just wasn’t fair”, ”She couldn’t abandon her friends”, ”Was it fair for her to run away to the Sunlands and leave her friends in the lurch?”, ”…it wouldn’t be right not to return to the institute.’ This conflict has is clearly justified as she is endangering her loved ones yet what is the cost of one’s freedom? How much can one endure until they can’t take no more? This adds an element of tension, urgency and gravity to the situation. The reader feels the urgency of the situation and they become more engaged and invested into Fearless in the hope of success.

‘Little Fearless’ has always been unique, not only physically but her ideology severely differs from the other characters in the novel. ‘Fearless’ is different as she has two different coloured eyes yet is the bravest woman in the institute. ‘Fearless’ if indeed fearless. She stands against her oppressor, the ‘Controller’ – completing her character arch. She is shown to fight for fairness and justice. She is motivated and driven and driven by the words on her locket, which reads: ‘To a true Hero. Always be brave. Always be yourself’. This holds sentimental value to ‘Fearless’ as her locket is from her deceased mother. Even though the ‘Controller’ stripped her of her rights, her freedom and her feeling of self-worth she remains fearless. Even when belittled to nothing but a number, even though the ‘Controller’ was trying to alienate the girls, ‘Fearless’ was determined not to forget her identity. ‘Fearless’ has always been self-less in nature, she always put others first. Nothing better could showcase this than her willingness and remarkable determination to rescue the other enslaved inmates. Tim Lott has portrayed ‘Fearless’ in this manner to gain empathy from the reader. A reader can easily sympathise and empathise with a person that is different initially, the reader can also sympathise with one that is new to a certain setting such as a school, workplace and in this case an institute.

Tim Lott has utilised narrative conventions very effectively, forming a compelling, thrilling and nail-bitting themed novel about a brave young woman named ‘Little Fearless.’ This young woman is enslaved to an institute ruled by the oppressive ‘Controller’. Her and staggering 999 other girls were held captive – deprived of their self-worth and deprived of her freedom. ‘Fearless’ is different as she doesn’t give in to oppressive tactics. Tim Lott has used narrative conventions to construct a believable dystopian society, the most important of which being conflict, setting and characterisation. The institute is the perfect setting for this narrative as it’s a confined location with a social hierarchy which the reader can easily identify protagonists and antagonists of the narrative. Characterisation also plays a key role as it allows us, the viewer to emphasise with, love or hate characters. The plot revolves around the central conflict – ‘Fearless’ against herself. A tug-of-war against her own emotions.