This term paper aims to show how the integrated intertextuality has an essential impact on the novel's reception and meaning. It discusses how Barnes intertwined intertextual references into his novel and how these influence its interpretation.
On this occasion the term Intertextuality, its development, and the theory it designates will be defined before its usage for literary studies will be discussed. Furthermore, the distinction of the theory will justify the application of mainly Ulrich Broich's and Manfred Pfister's perimeter of intertextuality. Thereafter the analysis of the intertextuality between Flaubert's Parrot and Madame Bovary will be examined in detail while the current studies on the topic are included and compared in the investigation. This is done primarily by means of secondary literature like monographs and essays from literary scholars as well as by interviews with Julian Barnes.
The paper concludes with verifying the findings according to Broich and Pfister and estimates its exceptional quality. Presupposed is the knowledge of the novels Flaubert's Parrot and Madame Bovary as well as Julian Barnes's and Gustave Flaubert's basic vita.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definition of Intertextuality
3. Limitation and Usage of Intertextuality
4. Julian Barnes's Intertextuality in Flaubert's Parrot
4.1 Intertextuality between Flaubert's Parrot and Madame Bovary
4.2 References in the Text
4.2.1 Emma Bovary's Eyes
4.2.2 Geoffrey Braithwaite's Search for Ellen
4.2.3 Geoffrey Braithwaite's Escape from Loneliness
4.2.4 Dissatisfying Ending
5. Résumé
6. Bibliography
6.1 Primary Literature
6.2 Secondary Literature
6.3 Online Resources
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the role of intertextuality in Julian Barnes's novel Flaubert's Parrot, specifically focusing on its relationship with Gustave Flaubert's Madame Bovary. The research aims to demonstrate how Barnes integrates intertextual references to influence the novel's reception and meaning, employing the theoretical framework of Ulrich Broich and Manfred Pfister to analyze these textual connections.
- Theoretical definition and limitation of intertextuality in literary studies.
- Application of the structuralist approach to intertextual analysis.
- Examination of specific intertextual parallels between Flaubert's Parrot and Madame Bovary.
- Investigation into how the protagonist's search for Flaubert reflects his personal struggle for understanding.
- Analysis of the novel's open and "dissatisfying" ending in the context of postmodern literature.
Excerpt from the Book
4.2.1 Emma Bovary's Eyes
The chapter Emma Bovary's Eyes marks one of the chapters in that Braithwaite's fascination for Flaubert and Madame Bovary is most graspable. It discusses the French literature critic Dr. Enid Starkie's statement about an evident mistake in the novel. She claims that Flaubert did not take enough attention on Emma's eye color as it differs from blue to brown or black at various points in the book. Braithwaite's reaction on that is intense and he explains extensively and furiously how this circumstance is not a mistake, but a dramaturgical device of real literary art. As support for his counter-argument he lists all the mentions of Emma's eyes in Madame Bovary:
"I'll tell you something else. I've just reread Madame Bovary. On one occasion he gives Emma brown eyes (14); on another deep black eyes (15); and on another blue eyes (16). [...] Here are the six references Flaubert makes to Emma Bovary's eyes in the course of the book." (Barnes, Flaubert's Parrot, 79f)
After that he quotes the six passages out of the novel with short comments on their position showing that the changes of Emma's eye color can be traced back to her differing moods as well as incidence of light. At this opportunity he makes the first direct comparison to his wife. He maintains that if the common eye color symbolism was transferable to her, her green-blue eyes would express "innocence and honesty [and] wildness and jealousy" (Barnes, Flaubert's Parrot, 78) at the same time. He leaves this with the brief remark that this "makes her story a long one" (Barnes, Flaubert's Parrot, 78).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the author Julian Barnes and his postmodern novel Flaubert's Parrot, establishing the research goal to analyze intertextual relations to Madame Bovary.
2. Definition of Intertextuality: Defines the core concept of intertextuality and its development within poststructuralist literary theory.
3. Limitation and Usage of Intertextuality: Introduces the structuralist framework of Ulrich Broich and Manfred Pfister to provide a focused method for identifying intertextual markers.
4. Julian Barnes's Intertextuality in Flaubert's Parrot: Explores the biographical and experimental nature of the novel and the overarching presence of Flaubert.
4.1 Intertextuality between Flaubert's Parrot and Madame Bovary: Discusses the significance of Flaubert’s life and works in shaping the protagonist's fictional research.
4.2 References in the Text: Details specific examples of intertextuality throughout the novel, including structural and thematic quotes.
4.2.1 Emma Bovary's Eyes: Analyzes the protagonist's defense of Flaubert regarding eye color descriptions and links them to his own wife.
4.2.2 Geoffrey Braithwaite's Search for Ellen: Examines the protagonist's attempt to process his wife's suicide by identifying her with Emma Bovary.
4.2.3 Geoffrey Braithwaite's Escape from Loneliness: Discusses the protagonist's search for identity and relief from isolation through Flaubert studies.
4.2.4 Dissatisfying Ending: Compares the open, unresolved endings of both novels and their impact on reader reception.
5. Résumé: Concludes that intertextuality is an indispensable element for understanding the central plot and themes of Barnes's work.
6. Bibliography: Lists the primary and secondary sources used for the investigation.
6.1 Primary Literature: Lists the main fictional works referenced.
6.2 Secondary Literature: Lists academic monographs, essays, and literary criticism.
6.3 Online Resources: Lists digital interviews and web articles used.
Keywords
Intertextuality, Julian Barnes, Flaubert's Parrot, Madame Bovary, Gustave Flaubert, Geoffrey Braithwaite, Postmodernism, Literary Theory, Ulrich Broich, Manfred Pfister, Narrative Voice, Structuralism, Textual Relations, Literary Criticism, Biography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
This paper explores the literary device of intertextuality within Julian Barnes's novel Flaubert's Parrot, examining how it relates to Gustave Flaubert's Madame Bovary.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The work focuses on the intersection of biography and fiction, the search for truth through literature, the nature of artistic influence, and the psychology of grief.
What is the primary research goal?
The aim is to show how Barnes uses intertextual references to shape the interpretation of his novel and how these links are essential for a full understanding of the protagonist's narrative.
Which scientific method is applied?
The study utilizes the structuralist approach to intertextuality, specifically the guidelines established by literary theorists Ulrich Broich and Manfred Pfister.
What does the main body cover?
It covers the definition and limitation of intertextuality, an analysis of references within the text (including character eye color and suicide), and the significance of the novel's open ending.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include Intertextuality, Julian Barnes, Flaubert's Parrot, Madame Bovary, Postmodernism, and Literary Criticism.
How does the protagonist, Geoffrey Braithwaite, relate to Emma Bovary?
Braithwaite creates an intellectual and emotional parallel between his deceased wife Ellen and Emma Bovary, projecting his need for answers about his wife onto his research of Flaubert’s characters.
Why does the author consider the ending "dissatisfying"?
The author argues that both Flaubert and Barnes avoid providing dramatic closure, leaving the reader with ambiguity and unresolved questions about the fates of the characters.
What role does the "parrot" play in the novel's intertextuality?
The parrots serve as a symbolic element of Flaubert’s life that the protagonist researches; the search for the "true" parrot mirrors his search for truth and closure in his own life.
Does Barnes suggest his work is autobiographical?
While the protagonist shares traits with the author, Barnes maintains a distinction, emphasizing that he uses his life experiences subjectively in fiction rather than as a direct confession.
- Citation du texte
- Lisa Hyna (Auteur), 2013, The Intertextuality between "Flaubert's Parrot" by Julian Barnes and "Madame Bovary" by Gustave Flaubert, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/444233
