A Nobody Throughout the Ages

Aspects of Intertextuality in the History of Mr. Pooter

Hausarbeit , 2009 , 12 Seiten , Note: 2,0

Anglistik - Literatur

The paper deals with the enduring popularity of an almost forgotten British classic character.
A detailed analysis of the character of Charles Pooter from George and Weedon Grossmith's 19th century comic masterpiece "The Diary of a Nobody" is followed by brief thoughts concerning his popularity with the British public. Moreover, 20th century counterparts to the eponymous Nobody are considered, ranging from former Prime Minister John Major to Sue Townshend's Adrian Mole.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Enter Nobody
• "Mr. Pooter's Place in History"
• Thus...
• List of Works Cited

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper aims to analyze the character of Charles Pooter, the protagonist of the late Victorian diary fiction, The Diary of a Nobody, by the brothers George and Weedon Grossmith. By examining Pooter's character traits, the paper seeks to understand his enduring influence on British popular culture and explore the reasons behind his longevity and popularity.

• Pooter's negative character traits, including his conceitedness, snobbishness, and vanity.
• The portrayal of Pooter's social status and his attempts to appear well-off.
• The influence of Pooter on 20th-century British culture, including references and allusions in literature, sports, and politics.
• Possible reasons for Pooter's enduring popularity with the British public.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter introduces the character of Charles Pooter and highlights his significance in British literature and culture. It also sets out the paper's objectives and methodology.
• Enter Nobody: This chapter delves into the character of Mr. Pooter, highlighting his negative traits such as conceitedness, snobbishness, and vanity. It explores instances where Pooter's arrogance and attempts to maintain a facade of middle-class respectability are exposed.
• "Mr. Pooter's Place in History": This chapter (not included in the preview) would likely explore the character's impact on 20th-century British culture, analyzing references and allusions to Pooter in literature, sports, and politics. It might also analyze how Pooter's character has been adapted or reinterpreted in later works.
• Thus...: This chapter (not included in the preview) would likely explore the reasons for Pooter's enduring popularity and provide a conclusion to the paper, drawing on the analysis presented in the preceding chapters.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The main keywords and focus topics of the text include Charles Pooter, The Diary of a Nobody, late Victorian diary fiction, British popular culture, character traits, social status, snobbishness, vanity, and enduring popularity.

• Hochschule: Ruhr-Universität Bochum (Englisches Seminar)
• Veranstaltung: Real and Fictitious Diaries: from Samuel Pepys to Briget Jones
• Note: 2,0
• Autor: Mate Madunic (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2009
• Seiten: 12
• Katalognummer: V137600
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640454730
• ISBN (Buch): 9783640454914
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: Pooter, Grossmith, Nobody, late 19th Century Culture, late 20th Century Culture