The aim of this term paper is to exemplify the central key features in Postmodernism and to analyse in how far Margaret Atwood manages to make use of them in her novel "Alias Grace". Besides, I will concentrate on Atwood’s strategies to integrate the postmodern features into the novel and to illustrate them to the reader.
The first part of the term paper will be concerned with a general overview of Genette’s categories of discourse-oriented Narratology and the postmodern features Fragmentation, Subjectivity, Indeterminacy and Alienation. More precisely, I will define these features and will concentrate on the most important characteristics which can be linked to the novel. I will mention Genette’s Narrative Theory because it is especially important when dealing with Fragmentation.
The second part will be concerned with these postmodern features with reference to "Alias Grace". Concerning Fragmentation, I am going to illustrate the interchanging narratives in the novel. When dealing with Subjectivity, I will analyse in how far different narratives of the story are subjective. By pointing out several passages in which open questions remain and the reader has to interpret on his own, I will discuss Indeterminacy. After doing so, I am going to point out in how far Fragmentation, Subjectivity and Indeterminacy lead to an Alienation of the reader.
At the end of the term paper, a conclusion will be drawn in which one can see in how far Atwood uses postmodern elements in her novel.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Genette's Narratology
- Postmodern key features
- Fragmentation
- Subjectivity
- Indeterminacy
- Alienation
- Postmodern key features in Alias Grace
- Concerning the elements of Fragmentation
- Concerning the elements of Subjectivity
- Concerning the elements of Indeterminacy
- Concerning the elements of Alienation
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This term paper aims to explore the key features of Postmodernism as reflected in Margaret Atwood's novel Alias Grace. The paper analyzes how Atwood utilizes these features in the novel, which narrates the story of Grace Marks, a 19th-century woman sentenced to life in prison for murder. The paper also examines Atwood's strategies for integrating these postmodern elements into the narrative and making them accessible to the reader.
- The central key features of Postmodernism
- Atwood's use of postmodern features in Alias Grace
- Atwood's strategies for integrating postmodern features into the novel
- The impact of postmodern features on the reading experience
- The relationship between postmodernism and narrative structure
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter provides an overview of Genette's categories of discourse-oriented Narratology and the postmodern features of Fragmentation, Subjectivity, Indeterminacy, and Alienation. It defines these features and explores their key characteristics, focusing on those relevant to the novel. Genette's Narrative Theory is highlighted due to its importance in understanding Fragmentation.
The second chapter examines these postmodern features in relation to Alias Grace. It analyzes the interchanging narratives in the novel to illustrate Fragmentation, explores the subjective nature of the different narratives to illustrate Subjectivity, and discusses Indeterminacy by pointing out passages where open questions remain and the reader is left to interpret on their own. Finally, it explores how Fragmentation, Subjectivity, and Indeterminacy contribute to the reader's Alienation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this paper are: Postmodernism, Alias Grace, Margaret Atwood, Fragmentation, Subjectivity, Indeterminacy, Alienation, Narratology, Genette, Narrative Theory, Interchanging Narratives, Subjective Narratives, Open Questions, Reader Interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of Postmodernism in "Alias Grace"?
The essay focuses on Fragmentation, Subjectivity, Indeterminacy, and Alienation as central postmodern elements in Margaret Atwood's novel.
How does Atwood use "Fragmentation" in the narrative?
Atwood utilizes interchanging narratives and shifting perspectives to break the traditional linear flow of the story.
What is meant by "Indeterminacy" in the novel?
It refers to the open questions and ambiguities regarding Grace's guilt or innocence, leaving the reader to interpret the truth for themselves.
How does "Subjectivity" impact the reader's understanding?
The story is told through multiple biased viewpoints, suggesting that there is no single objective truth, only personal versions of events.
What role does Genette's Narratology play in this analysis?
Genette's categories of discourse-oriented narratology provide the framework for analyzing the complex structure and fragmentation of Atwood's storytelling.
- Quote paper
- Nathalie Fiore (Author), 2015, Postmodernism in Margaret Atwoods "Alias Grace", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/318286
