The content of this work (take-away exam) deals with the features of narratives and identity and furthermore with the structures of unreliability/reliability. Peter Raggatt`s theory of the "dialogical self" and narrative and identity is explained and applied to Benjamin Zephaniah`s work "Face". Additionally Ita Daly`s "The Lady with the red shoes" is discussed on the basis of the concepts of (un)reliability.
Table of Contents
I. Narrative Identity
(Un)reliability in the The Lady with the Red Shoes
II. Theory
Peter Raggatt: Multiplicity and Conflict in the Dialogical Self: A Life-Narrative Approach
III. Application
Benjamin Zephaniah: Face
Objectives and Topics
This academic paper examines the intersection of narrative structures and identity formation, specifically focusing on how the reliability of a narrator impacts the construction of a character's sense of self. It explores theoretical frameworks of unreliable narration and the dialogical self to analyze how individuals navigate conflicting internal voices and external societal perceptions.
- Theoretical analysis of unreliable narration based on Ansgar F. Nünning's research.
- Examination of Peter Raggatt’s "Dialogical Self" theory regarding multiple identities.
- Application of these frameworks to Ita Daly’s short story "The Lady with the Red Shoes."
- In-depth investigation of identity transformation in Benjamin Zephaniah’s novel "Face."
Excerpt from the Book
(Un)reliability in the The Lady with the Red Shoes
“Unreliability is an effect that most readers intuitively recognize.” (Nünning, 91). In The Lady with the Red Shoes the reader also can notice some markers that are typical of an unreliable narrator. But before going over to the complexities of the topic of unreliability with reference to narratives and identity, first a short overview of Ita Daly`s story follows.
The Lady with the Red Shoes, written by Ita Daly, was published by Poolberg press in 1980. The short story is narrated from the perspective of an elderly, typical English gentleman from Dublin, who talks about the North of Ireland, his life, his preferences and aversions and his traditional Easter holidays which he always passes in North Mayo, in the McAndrews Hotel. Right in the beginning of the story he talks fascinated about the Irish scenery and the landscape of the North of Ireland so that he frames the story by giving special information about his home country and the surrounding. Since his narration furthermore delivers some indicators of his personality the reader gets the impression that the old man belongs to the upper class what also gets obvious through the fact that he does not apologize to be a “snob”. This confident look on his self is furthermore a sign, that he is very critical with himself. But especially this “explicit self-characterization” (Nünning, 101) is a sign for the unreliability of the narrator that shall be discussed in the following part.
Summary of Chapters
I. Narrative Identity: This chapter introduces the concept of unreliable narration and provides a close reading of Ita Daly’s "The Lady with the Red Shoes," highlighting how the narrator's self-characterization and speculative interpretation of others signal his unreliability.
II. Theory: This chapter outlines Peter Raggatt’s "Dialogical Self" theory, which posits that identity is composed of multiple, often conflicting, selves and internal voices that are shaped by social, physical, and historical attachments.
III. Application: This chapter applies the discussed theories to Benjamin Zephaniah’s novel "Face," analyzing how the protagonist’s identity shifts following a traumatic event and evaluating the reliability of the narrative voice in the context of the implied author.
Keywords
Narrative, Identity, Unreliable Narrator, Dialogical Self, Multiplicity, Peter Raggatt, Ansgar F. Nünning, Ita Daly, Benjamin Zephaniah, Social Selves, Personality, Narration, Implied Author, Character Transformation, Perception.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper explores the complex relationship between narrative modes and identity, specifically investigating how unreliable narration and the theory of the "dialogical self" influence the reader's understanding of character construction.
Which theoretical frameworks are utilized?
The author primarily utilizes Ansgar F. Nünning’s research on unreliable narration and Peter Raggatt’s theory of the dialogical self to analyze identity and narrative voices.
What is the central research question?
The central inquiry involves explaining the complexities of narratives and identities by identifying markers of reliability and the formation of multiple selves within literary texts.
Which methodology is employed for the analysis?
The methodology consists of literary analysis, applying the concepts of unreliable narration and multiple self-clusters to specific texts by Ita Daly and Benjamin Zephaniah.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body examines the markers of unreliable narration, the concept of the dialogical self, and the practical application of these theories to the protagonists in "The Lady with the Red Shoes" and "Face."
How is the concept of a "dialogical self" defined in this work?
It is defined as a model where an individual's identity is formed by multiple, interacting "selves" or voices, shaped by specific social and situational attachments.
How does the accident in Benjamin Zephaniah’s "Face" trigger identity change?
The accident destroys the protagonist's "past self" based on superficiality, forcing him to develop new internal voices and adjust his identity through social interactions and coping mechanisms.
In what way does the author consider the role of the "implied author" regarding reliability?
The author posits that the implied author serves as a key indicator of unreliability, but suggests that sympathy for the author’s background or personal narrative can sometimes restore a sense of credibility.
- Quote paper
- M.A. Hülya Akkaş (Author), 2009, Narrative and Identity, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/146832
