Experiment and Narrative Strategies in Selected Novels by B. S. Johnson

• Thesis title in Czech: Experiment a narativní strategie ve vybraných románech B. S. Johnsona
• Thesis title in English: Experiment and Narrative Strategies in Selected Novels by B. S. Johnson
• Key words: B. S. Johnson|literární experiment|naratologie|Albert Angelo|The Unfortunates|Christie Malry’s Own Double-Entry
• English key words: B. S. Johnson|Literary Experiment|Narratology|Albert Angelo|The Unfortunates|Christie Malry’s Own Double-Entry
• Academic year of topic announcement: 2020/2021
• Thesis type: Bachelor's thesis
• Thesis language: angličtina
• Department: Department of Anglophone Literatures and Cultures (21-UALK)
• Supervisor: Mgr. David Vichnar, Ph.D.
• Author: hidden - assigned and confirmed by the Study Dept.
• Date of registration: 14.09.2021
• Date of assignment: 15.09.2021
• Administrator's approval: not processed yet
• Confirmed by Study dept. on: 29.09.2021
• Date and time of defence: 05.09.2022 00:00
• Date of electronic submission: 08.08.2022
• Date of proceeded defence: 05.09.2022
• Submitted/finalized: committed by student and finalized
• Opponents: Mgr. Miroslava Horová, Ph.D.

Guidelines

The thesis will aim to explore the experimental elements and narrative techniques in selected novels by B. S. Johnson. The three novels discussed will be Christie Malry’s Own Double Entry, The Unfortunates and Albert Angelo. The introduction will attempt to provide a comprehensive introduction to postmodernist literature and its context, drawing from various authorities on the topic (e.g. Lyotard, McHale, Hutcheon). It will also serve as an introduction to experimental literature. The first chapter will explore Johnson’s use of metafictional elements and their effects. The second chapter will focus on traditional narrative techniques adapted by the author according to the poetics of postmodernism and used as a part of his literary experiment. This will be shown on techniques such as the intrusive author or deus ex machina. The third chapter will analyze the formal innovations that form part of author’s narrative experiment. Primarily the format of The Unfortunates and the way the novel Albert Angelo explores the materiality of language, text, and literature.

References

Bazarnik, Katarzyna. Joyce & Liberature. Praha: Litteraria Pragensia, 2011.
Bray, Joe, Gibbons Alison, and McHale Brian, eds. The Routledge Companion to Experimental Literature. New York: Routledge, 2015.
Coe, Jonathan. Like a Fiery Elephant: The Story of B.S. Johnson. New York: Continuum, 2005.
Fludernik, Monika. “Metanarrative and Metafictional Commentary: From Metadiscursivity to Metanarration and Metafiction” Poetica 35, no. 1/2 (2003): 1-39. 28 August 2021.
Hutcheon, Linda. Poetics of Postmodernism: History, Theory, Fiction. New York: Routledge, 1996.
Hutcheon, Linda. Narcissistic Narrative: The Metafictional Paradox. Waterloo ON: Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2013. ProQuest Ebook Central.
Lodge, David. The Art of Fiction. London: Vintage, 2011.
McHale, Brian. “What Was Postmodernism?” Electronic Book Review, December, 2007.
McHale, Brian. Postmodern Fiction. New York: Routledge, 1987.
Waugh, Patricia. Metafiction: The Theory and Practice of Self-Conscious Fiction. Florence: Taylor & Francis Group, 1984. ProQuest Ebook Central.