Measure for measure: Abell's narrative methods

Abstract

This paper considers Abell's methods for analysis of narratives. I first consider the difference between the question of sequence pattern and the question of sequence generation, examining in paticular Abell's use of rational choice theory. I then consider some minor issues related to the choice of tolerances as foundations for homomorphisms among sequences. Finally, I analyze Abell's use of homomorphisms and propose replacing homomorphic reduaion of sequences with Levenshtein metrics defined on elementary operations like those Abell uses. This strategy could allow a more complete and parsimonious categorization than does Abell's present strategy.