Reading Coupland's Generation A in the context of Turney's rDNA definition, the administered brain samples which each of the protagonists consumes instigate a genetic experiment in recombinant DNA. Thus, based on the method of narrative analysis, the purpose of this paper is to reveal how those short narratives in Generation A visualize an rDNA experiment on a narrative level, i.e. which parallels between narration and this specific kind of genetic engineering experiment can be found and how narration and especially storytelling itself can work as a metaphor for recombinant DNA and therefore genetic engineering.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction: Genetics and Contemporary Fiction
- Analysis: Love, Loneliness, and 16 Samples of DNA
- Zack: Love, Loneliness, and Superman
- Samantha: Love, Loneliness, and Anti-Ghosts
- Julien: Love, Loneliness, and Alien Monsters disguised as Politicians
- Diana: Love, Loneliness, and Sex with no Strings
- Harj: Love, Loneliness, and Anachronic Transference
- Narrative, Sowing, and Recombination
- Evolution, Devolution, and Genetics
- Conclusion: Love, Loneliness, and Coupland's Visions
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to analyze how Douglas Coupland's novel Generation A utilizes narrative structures to visualize a scientific experiment in recombinant DNA. The analysis focuses on the 16 short narratives told by the protagonists, examining how their interconnectedness and shared plot patterns mirror the scientific process of genetic manipulation.
- Recombinant DNA (rDNA) as a scientific process
- The role of narrative in visualizing scientific concepts
- The themes of love, loneliness, and individual identity in the context of genetic manipulation
- The connection between the narrative structure and the rDNA experiment
- The impact of genetic engineering on individual experiences and societal structures
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The paper explores how the 16 short narratives within Generation A act as a visual representation of an rDNA experiment. The analysis focuses on the shared plot elements, including recurring themes like loneliness and the presence of death, to demonstrate the connection between the narrative structure and the scientific process of genetic recombination.
- Introduction: Genetics and Contemporary Fiction - This section discusses the historical development of genetic engineering and its impact on popular culture, highlighting the influence of novels, films, and video games. It argues that Coupland's Generation A provides a compelling representation of the ethical and societal implications of genetic manipulation in a near-future context.
- Analysis: Love, Loneliness, and 16 Samples of DNA - This chapter delves into the analysis of the 16 short narratives, highlighting the recurring themes of love, loneliness, and death that connect the characters' experiences. The analysis examines how these themes reflect the interconnectedness of the protagonists' stories, mirroring the scientific process of rDNA.
- Zack: Love, Loneliness, and Superman - This chapter explores the narrative of Zack, analyzing his experiences with love, loneliness, and his obsession with Superman. The analysis examines how Zack's narrative contributes to the broader understanding of rDNA within the novel.
- Samantha: Love, Loneliness, and Anti-Ghosts - This section analyzes Samantha's narrative, focusing on her struggles with love, loneliness, and her encounters with "anti-ghosts." The analysis examines how Samantha's story contributes to the overall visualization of the rDNA experiment within the novel.
- Julien: Love, Loneliness, and Alien Monsters disguised as Politicians - This chapter focuses on Julien's narrative, exploring his experiences with love, loneliness, and his encounter with "alien monsters disguised as politicians." The analysis examines how Julien's story contributes to the broader understanding of rDNA within the novel.
- Diana: Love, Loneliness, and Sex with no Strings - This section analyzes Diana's narrative, focusing on her struggles with love, loneliness, and her desire for "sex with no strings." The analysis examines how Diana's story contributes to the overall visualization of the rDNA experiment within the novel.
- Harj: Love, Loneliness, and Anachronic Transference - This chapter explores the narrative of Harj, analyzing his experiences with love, loneliness, and his encounter with "anachronic transference." The analysis examines how Harj's narrative contributes to the broader understanding of rDNA within the novel.
- Narrative, Sowing, and Recombination - This section delves into the theoretical framework of narrative analysis, discussing the concepts of "sowing" and "recombination" as they relate to the scientific process of rDNA. The analysis examines how these concepts connect to the narrative structure of Generation A.
- Evolution, Devolution, and Genetics - This chapter explores the complex interplay of evolution, devolution, and genetic engineering within the context of Generation A. The analysis examines how these concepts contribute to the understanding of rDNA and its implications for human development.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper examines the intersection of genetics and narrative in Douglas Coupland's Generation A, focusing on concepts like recombinant DNA, narrative structure, love, loneliness, and the ethical implications of genetic engineering. The analysis uses the framework of narrative analysis to explore the connections between the scientific process of rDNA and the interconnectedness of the characters' stories.
- Quote paper
- BA Ralph Cibis (Author), 2012, Love, Loneliness, and the Channel Three News Team, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/214069
