Are there intertextual text passages in the work of John Sladek's "Roderick or The Education of a Young Machine" and what are their dominant characteristics? To answer this question, there is a general, theoretical introduction to the topic of intertextuality. Subsequently, a model of intertextual analysis will be presented which will serve as the basis for my methodological investigation. Thereafter, in chapter four, the analysis of exemplary text passages follows. In the last chapter the author will answer the research question and explain my findings.
Table of Contents
- 1. INTRODUCTION
- 2. THEORY OF INTERTEXTUALITY
- 2.1. Global Model of Post-structuralism
- 2.2. Structuralist or Hermeneutic Model
- 2.3. Model of Broich and Pfister
- 2.3.1. Qualitative Criteria
- 2.3.2. Quantitative Criteria
- 3. METHOD
- 4. ANALYIS
- 4.1. Roderick in Wonderland - Qualitative Analysis
- 4.2. A Robot in Wooden Shoes: between Pinocchio and Roderick - Qualitative Analysis
- 4.3. Quantitative Analysis
- 5. CONCLUSION
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to analyze intertextual elements in John Sladek's Roderick, or The Education of a Young Machine. The central research question is whether intertextual passages exist within Sladek's work and what their dominant characteristics are. The analysis will utilize a theoretical framework of intertextuality, incorporating various models and approaches, to investigate these passages.
- Intertextuality in literary analysis
- Comparative analysis of different models of intertextuality
- Application of a chosen model to analyze specific passages in Sladek's Roderick
- Identification and characterization of intertextual references in Roderick
- Exploration of the relationship between intertextuality and the theme of artificial life
Chapter Summaries
1. INTRODUCTION: This introductory chapter establishes the paper's central argument: that literary works are interconnected, drawing upon and engaging with preceding works. It highlights T.S. Eliot's assertion of the interconnected nature of artistic creation and introduces the concept of intertextuality as a crucial element of literary analysis. The chapter lays out the research question: to identify and characterize intertextual passages in John Sladek's Roderick, or The Education of a Young Machine, specifically in relation to the theme of artificial life. The methodology and structure of the paper are outlined, promising a theoretical introduction to intertextuality, the presentation of an analytical model, and a detailed analysis of selected passages.
2. THEORY OF INTERTEXTUALITY: This chapter provides an overview of different theoretical approaches to intertextuality, acknowledging the diverse and sometimes conflicting perspectives within the field. It contrasts the "global model of post-structuralism," rooted in the work of Julia Kristeva and influenced by Mikhail Bakhtin's concept of dialogism, with the more concise "structuralist or hermeneutic model" proposed by Gérard Genette. The chapter critically examines the strengths and limitations of both models, emphasizing the challenges in defining the scope and nature of intertextual relationships. It ultimately advocates for a mediating approach, drawing upon the work of Broich and Pfister, which will serve as the basis for the subsequent analysis of Sladek's novel. The chapter highlights the complexities inherent in defining and analyzing intertextuality, underscoring the importance of a robust methodological framework.
Frequently Asked Questions: Roderick, or The Education of a Young Machine - Intertextual Analysis
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
The paper's central aim is to analyze the intertextual elements present in John Sladek's Roderick, or The Education of a Young Machine. It seeks to identify and characterize these intertextual passages, exploring their dominant characteristics and relationship to the novel's theme of artificial life.
What theoretical framework is used in the analysis?
The analysis utilizes a theoretical framework of intertextuality, drawing upon and comparing various models. It examines the "global model of post-structuralism," the "structuralist or hermeneutic model," and ultimately adopts a mediating approach based on the model proposed by Broich and Pfister. The choice of model is justified by a critical evaluation of the strengths and limitations of each approach.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include intertextuality in literary analysis, comparative analysis of different intertextuality models, application of a chosen intertextuality model, identification and characterization of intertextual references in Sladek's Roderick, and the exploration of the relationship between intertextuality and the theme of artificial life within the novel.
What models of intertextuality are discussed?
The paper discusses several models: the global model of post-structuralism (influenced by Kristeva and Bakhtin), the structuralist or hermeneutic model (Genette), and the model of Broich and Pfister (which incorporates both qualitative and quantitative criteria). The paper contrasts these models, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses before settling on the Broich and Pfister model for its analysis.
How is the analysis structured?
The paper is structured into five chapters: an introduction establishing the research question and methodology; a chapter dedicated to the theory of intertextuality; a chapter outlining the methodology used; a chapter presenting the analysis (both qualitative and quantitative) of specific passages in Sladek's novel; and a concluding chapter summarizing the findings.
What specific aspects of Sladek's *Roderick* are analyzed?
The analysis focuses on specific passages within Roderick, or The Education of a Young Machine, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods to identify and characterize intertextual references. Specific examples include a qualitative analysis of "Roderick in Wonderland" and "A Robot in Wooden Shoes: between Pinocchio and Roderick," as well as a separate quantitative analysis.
What is the conclusion of the paper?
While the provided text does not explicitly state the conclusion, it is implied that the concluding chapter will summarize the findings of the qualitative and quantitative analyses of intertextuality in Sladek's *Roderick*, relating these findings back to the initial research question and the theoretical framework established in the earlier chapters.
What is the overall methodology used?
The methodology combines theoretical discussion of intertextuality with practical application. It involves selecting and applying a specific model of intertextuality (Broich and Pfister) and using both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze identified intertextual passages in Sladek's novel. The approach is comparative, examining various theoretical models before settling on one for the core analysis.
- Quote paper
- Lukas Oehmke (Author), 2020, Intertextual References in "Roderick or The Education of a Young Machine" by John Sladek, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/934310
