This paper deals with Joyce Carol Oates's short story 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?'. Therefore, the following will be subdivided into two main parts. The first one is going to be an introductory one, in which every tool and term that is to be used will be spelled out and explained.
The first chapter is going to deal with the features of a short story. It is to be pointed out, what makes a short story a real Short-story and which features can be found in general.
In the second chapter, there is going to be an introduction to the literary postmodernism. Thus, an explanation of features characterizing the postmodernism as such is going to follow.
The third chapter is going to be an introduction to the story of initiation, in which its main elements and ideas are going to be presented and explained.
In the fourth and last chapter in this section, an approach on Genette's theories on narrative perspectives, as well as a suitable explanation for each one can be found.
The second part of the main section is going to consist of an analysis of 'Where are you going, where have you been?' in terms of every above named aspect, as well as the approach of classifying the short story as a story of (female) initiation.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Analysis of Joyce Carol Oates's short story Where are you going, where have you been?
- 2.1 Introduction to the tools used for the analysis
- 2.1.1 What makes a short story a Short story
- 2.1.2 What is 'Postmodernism' in literature
- 2.1.3 What is a 'Story of Initiation'
- 2.1.4 An Introduction to Genette's 'Narrative Perspectives'
- 2.2 Analysis of the short story
- 2.2.1 Characters
- 2.2.2 Narrative Perspectives
- 2.2.3 Female Story of Initiation
- 2.2.4 Postmodern features in the short story
- 3. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes Joyce Carol Oates's short story, "Where are you going, where have you been?". The objective is to examine the story through the lenses of short story conventions, postmodern literary techniques, and the concept of a female initiation story. The analysis will utilize Gerard Genette's theories on narrative perspectives.
- Defining characteristics of the short story form
- Postmodern elements in Oates's writing
- The "Story of Initiation" as a literary framework
- Narrative perspective and its impact on interpretation
- Analysis of character and plot within the story
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter lays the groundwork for the analysis by outlining the structure of the paper. It explains that the paper will be divided into two main parts: an introductory section defining key terms and concepts, and an analytical section applying these concepts to Oates's short story. The introduction details the scope of each section, promising to delve into the characteristics of a short story, postmodernism in literature, the concept of an initiation story, and Genette's theories on narrative perspective.
2. Analysis of Joyce Carol Oates's short story Where are you going, where have you been?: This chapter serves as the core of the analysis, applying the theoretical framework established in the introduction to Oates's short story. It promises a detailed examination of the story using the previously defined concepts, including an analysis of the characters, narrative perspectives, the story as a female initiation narrative, and an exploration of its postmodern characteristics. The significance lies in a comprehensive understanding of the story’s complexities and its position within the literary landscape.
2.1 Introduction to the tools used for the analysis: This section introduces the critical tools used to analyze the short story. It provides definitions and explanations of key concepts, establishing a firm theoretical basis for the subsequent analysis. The section breaks down the elements defining a short story according to Poe, Matthews, and Lawrence; clarifies the characteristics of postmodern literature; defines a story of initiation; and lastly explains Genette’s theories of narrative perspectives. This provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the short story’s structure, style, and meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Joyce Carol Oates's "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?"
What is the overall purpose of this academic paper?
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Joyce Carol Oates's short story, "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?". It examines the story using various critical lenses, including short story conventions, postmodern literary techniques, and the concept of a female initiation story. The analysis is grounded in Gerard Genette's theories on narrative perspectives.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
The analysis explores several key themes: the defining characteristics of the short story form; postmodern elements in Oates's writing; the "Story of Initiation" as a literary framework; narrative perspective and its impact on interpretation; and a detailed analysis of the story's characters and plot.
What theoretical frameworks are used in the analysis?
The analysis utilizes several theoretical frameworks. It defines the characteristics of a short story based on the work of Poe, Matthews, and Lawrence. It explores the concept of postmodernism in literature and defines what constitutes a "Story of Initiation." Most importantly, it employs Gerard Genette's theories on narrative perspectives to understand how the story's point of view shapes its meaning.
How is the paper structured?
The paper is structured in three main sections: an introduction, a detailed analysis of Oates's short story, and a conclusion. The analysis section is further divided into subsections examining the characters, narrative perspectives, the story as a female initiation narrative, and its postmodern features. The introduction defines key terms and concepts used in the analysis.
What aspects of Oates's short story are analyzed in detail?
The analysis delves into various aspects of the short story, including its characters, narrative perspective (using Genette's framework), its interpretation as a female initiation story, and the presence of postmodern elements within its structure and style. The analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the story's complexities and its place within the literary landscape.
What is the significance of the "Story of Initiation" framework in this analysis?
The "Story of Initiation" framework provides a critical lens through which to understand the protagonist's journey and development within the narrative. It helps to analyze the character's experiences and transformation, shedding light on the themes of adolescence, identity, and the challenges faced by young women.
What is the role of postmodernism in the analysis?
The analysis identifies and examines the postmodern elements present in Oates's writing style and narrative techniques. This allows for a richer understanding of the story's stylistic choices and how they contribute to its overall meaning and impact.
What is the contribution of Gerard Genette's work to this analysis?
Gerard Genette's theories on narrative perspectives provide a structured framework for analyzing the point of view and narrative voice in Oates's short story. This allows for a deeper understanding of how the chosen narrative perspective shapes the reader's experience and interpretation of the events and characters.
- Quote paper
- Ann-Kathrin Beckenbauer (Author), 2014, An Analysis of Joyce Carol Oates' Short story 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?', Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/313289
