Dissertation - World Federation of Music Therapy

Level 3
Configuration is the core of a narrative. In level one it was shown how conflicts were
configured in the imagery: the core metaphor was part of a series of actions and
transformations in narrative form. For example the hunter in session #8 found the
little girl in the nest, brought her safely down to the ground and invited her to dance.
In level two metaphors of the self were configured and reconfigured. For example the
forest lake was initially polluted, but later cleansed by the water lilies, so that life
could be renewed. This introduces the element of the plot: there is a protagonist and
one or more antagonists, there is a conflict caused by someone or something, and
there is a solution or end to the conflict.
Level three is defined by emplotment. Single metaphors and small scenes are
connected to narrative episodes through a simple plot, and a small story unfolds.
Narrative episodes may be linked through a more elaborate plot, and the whole
session may take the form of a coherent and complete narrative or story. Such stories
can be found in six of PIJØs sessions: #3-6 and 9-10. One example could be the tale
of session #4. The tiny (anonymous) female creature (I call her “T”) is introduced in
the context of the lake with water lilies (from session #3). She moves from one petal
to another, climbs a flower and feels safe in the colourful surroundings. She climbs a
dragonfly and flies high to get an overview of the lake. An unidentified threat
emerges as a grey mist on the lake. The dragonfly loses height and seems to be
exhausted (influenced by the mist?) to the point of dying. “T” takes action and rolls
the dragon fly out of the darkness, into the sunshine where it comes to life again.
Harmony is restored, and another chapter may begin: the next scene takes place at the
banks of the lake, where “T” explores the roots in order to climb the bank. It is a
difficult task as the roots are slippery and lead into a dark and narrow cave with
torches and monks (probably inspired by the male chorus singing a Russian hymn).
The friendly water lily shows “T” another way. A staircase leads to the great hall of a
castle, where “T” (at this point maybe transformed into PIJØ?) finds a beautiful red
gown, worthy of a queen. – The castle is explored further in the next session.
This narrative can be seen as a personal variation on a well-known fairy tale by H.C.
Andersen (1835): Tommelise (Little Tiny or Thumbelina). Andersen’s “T” is born in a
flower, carried off by a toad and placed on a water lily leaf in a river. She enjoys
nature but is threatened by some of its creatures that carry her off or help her on
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