Theory and the Novel
Narrative Reflexivity in the British Tradition

An analysis of the function of narrative across a range of novels.

Jeffrey Williams (Author)

9780521430395, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 3 December 1998

222 pages
22.9 x 1.6 x 15.2 cm, 0.5 kg

"For extensive collections serving literary theorists at the upper-division undergraduate and graduate levels." Choice

Narrative features such as frames, digressions, or authorial intrusions have traditionally been viewed as distractions from or anomalies in the narrative proper. In Theory and the Novel Jeffrey Williams exposes these elements as more than simple disruptions, analysing them as registers of narrative reflexivity, that is, moments that represent and advertise the functioning of narrative itself. Williams argues that narrative encodes and advertises its own functioning and modal form. He takes a range of novels from the English canon - Tristram Shandy, Joseph Andrews, The Turn of the Screw, Wuthering Heights, Lord Jim and Heart of Darkness are amongst the novels examined - and shows how narrative technique is never beyond or outside plot. He poses a series of theoretical questions such as about reflexitivity, imitation and fictionality, to offer a striking and original contribution to readings of the English novel, as well as to discussions of theory in general.

Preface
Introduction
1. Narrative of narrative: Tristram Shandy
2. Narrative improper: Joseph Andrews
3. Conspicuous narrative: The Turn of the Screw and Wuthering Heights
4. Narrative calling: Heart of Darkness and Lord Jim
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Literary theory [DSA]