Criticism of Bryson’s novels is not advanced but his narratives can be investigated in terms of genre, intertextuality, language, and nationality. This paper expands on the topic of Bryson’s view both of Great Britain and the United States of America by means of national stereotyping as it emerges from his novels Notes from a Small Island (1995) and Notes from a Big Country (1998). I maintain that Bryson depicts Britain and America in an authentic and educative as well as hilarious and exaggerated manner to emphasize differences between the nations in question. I will prove my thesis that Bryson both criticises and praises British and American values which affect the national character. Bryson conveys his national views both from the perspective of an insider and outsider.
William “Bill” McGuire Bryson was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1951. In 1973, he travelled to England where he became acquainted with his wife, Cynthia Billen, with whom he has four children. Bryson lived in Yorkshire, returned to America to graduate in 1995, and resided with his family in Norfolk, in 2003. While in America Bryson is well-known for elaborating on the English language, he accomplished bestseller standing with travelogues in Great Britain. Although he claims not to be a travel writer because he “stumbled into this genre”, Bryson composes “books on travel and the English language” in which his
“wanderlust and eccentricity” promise a unique reading adventure (Oder 191).
Travel writing is a neglected but miscellaneous genre of ancient times which flourished in the sixteenth century and encompasses narratives of expansionism, such as
encyclopaedic accounts of foreign nations, and became the principal negotiator of propagating stereotypes in colonial novels. While Bryson’s journey novel Notes from a Small Island
depicts the Great Britain he adores, he grudgingly wrote columns about America which resulted in his journalistic novel Notes from a Big Country.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- National Stereotypes in Anglo-American Fiction
- Bill Bryson's View Both of Great Britain and the United States of America by Means of National Stereotyping in Notes from a Small Island and Notes from a Big Country
- Bryson's View of Great Britain in Notes from a Small Island
- Bryson's View of the United States of America in Notes from a Big Country
- A Comparative Enquiry of Bryson's Views of Britain and America
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes Bill Bryson's portrayal of Great Britain and the United States through the lens of national stereotyping in his works, Notes from a Small Island and Notes from a Big Country. It aims to demonstrate how Bryson uses humor and exaggeration to highlight the differences between the two nations while simultaneously offering both critique and praise of their respective values and national characters. The analysis considers Bryson's unique perspective as both an insider and outsider to both cultures.
- National Stereotypes in Anglo-American Fiction
- Bryson's portrayal of British and American national character
- Comparative analysis of Bryson's views on Britain and America
- The role of humor and exaggeration in conveying national stereotypes
- Bryson's perspective as both insider and outsider
Chapter Summaries
2. National Stereotypes in Anglo-American Fiction: This chapter explores the historical development and significance of national stereotypes in Anglo-American literature. It examines the evolution of stereotypes from early typologies based on humors and climate to their complex representations in modern fiction. The chapter emphasizes the role of socio-historical conditions in shaping these stereotypes, highlighting how natives are often presented as individuals while foreigners are categorized. The lasting impact of stereotypes on both literary interpretation and social life is also discussed, along with the challenges in modifying deeply ingrained preconceptions.
3. Bill Bryson's View Both of Great Britain and the United States of America by Means of National Stereotyping in Notes from a Small Island and Notes from a Big Country: This chapter delves into Bryson's depiction of Britain and America, analyzing how he utilizes national stereotyping in his travelogues. It explores his unique perspective as an American living in Britain and then returning to the United States, examining how this experience shapes his observations and critiques. The chapter sets the stage for a comparative analysis of Bryson's views on both countries, examining how he employs humor, exaggeration, and personal anecdotes to present both positive and negative aspects of each national identity.
4. A Comparative Enquiry of Bryson's Views of Britain and America: This chapter directly compares Bryson's portrayal of Great Britain and the United States, drawing on the analyses presented in the preceding chapters. It synthesizes his observations, highlighting points of convergence and divergence in his depiction of the national characters of both nations. The chapter explores the nuances of Bryson's approach, identifying how his perspective shifts depending on his role as an insider versus an outsider in each cultural context. It will likely offer a comparative analysis of his critical and appreciative commentary on each nation.
Keywords
National stereotypes, Anglo-American fiction, Bill Bryson, Notes from a Small Island, Notes from a Big Country, travel writing, national identity, cultural comparison, humor, exaggeration, insider/outsider perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Bill Bryson's Portrayal of Britain and America
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper analyzes Bill Bryson's portrayal of Great Britain and the United States in his books, Notes from a Small Island and Notes from a Big Country, focusing on how he uses national stereotypes, humor, and exaggeration to present both critique and praise of each nation's values and character.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
Key themes include national stereotypes in Anglo-American fiction, Bryson's depiction of British and American national character, a comparative analysis of his views on both countries, the role of humor and exaggeration in conveying these stereotypes, and Bryson's unique perspective as both an insider and outsider to both cultures.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper includes an abstract, a chapter exploring national stereotypes in Anglo-American fiction, a chapter analyzing Bryson's portrayal of Britain and America in his respective books, a comparative chapter analyzing his views on both countries, a conclusion, and a bibliography. Each chapter offers a detailed summary within the provided preview.
How does Bryson use national stereotypes in his writing?
Bryson utilizes humor and exaggeration to highlight the differences between Britain and America, showcasing both positive and negative aspects of each nation's identity. His unique perspective, shaped by his experiences living in both countries, influences his observations and critiques.
What is the significance of Bryson's insider/outsider perspective?
Bryson's dual perspective as both an American living in Britain and a Briton returning to America provides a nuanced and insightful view. The analysis examines how his perspective shifts depending on his role as an insider or outsider within each cultural context, enriching the comparative analysis.
What is the scope of the historical context considered?
The paper explores the historical development of national stereotypes in Anglo-American literature, tracing their evolution from early typologies based on humors and climate to their complex representations in modern fiction, emphasizing the socio-historical conditions shaping these stereotypes.
What is the overall conclusion likely to be?
While the full conclusion isn't provided, it is likely to synthesize Bryson's observations from both books, highlighting points of convergence and divergence in his depiction of British and American national characters, offering a nuanced comparative analysis of his critical and appreciative commentary on each nation.
What keywords describe the paper's content?
Keywords include: National stereotypes, Anglo-American fiction, Bill Bryson, Notes from a Small Island, Notes from a Big Country, travel writing, national identity, cultural comparison, humor, exaggeration, insider/outsider perspective.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Oliver Baum, M.A. (Autor:in), 2007, Bill Bryson´s View of Great Britain and the USA in "Notes from a Small Island" and "Notes from a Big Country", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/123533
