Theory and the Novel Narrative Reflexivity in the British Tradition [Paperback]

An analysis of the function of narrative across a range of novels.Narrative features such as frames, digressions, or authorial intrusions have traditionally been seen as distractions from the narrative proper. In Theory and the Novel, Jeffrey Williams analyses these elements as points where the novel overtly depicts or inscribes the act of narration itself. Williams analyses a range of novels Tristam Shandy, Joseph Andrews, Wuthering Heights, Lord Jim, and Heart of Darkness and poses a series of theoretical questions that offers an original contribution to readings of the English novel, as well as to current discussions of theory.Narrative features such as frames, digressions, or authorial intrusions have traditionally been seen as distractions from the narrative proper. In Theory and the Novel, Jeffrey Williams analyses these elements as points where the novel overtly depicts or inscribes the act of narration itself. Williams analyses a range of novels Tristam Shandy, Joseph Andrews, Wuthering Heights, Lord Jim, and Heart of Darkness and poses a series of theoretical questions that offers an original contribution to readings of the English novel, as well as to current discussions of theory.Narrative features such as frames, digressions, or authorial intrusions have traditionally been seen as distractions from the narrative proper. In Theory and the English Novel, Jeffrey Williams analyzes these elements as points where the novel overtly depicts or inscribes the act of narration itself. He looks at a range of novels--Tristram Shandy, Joseph Andrews, Wuthering Heights, Lord Jim, and Heart of Darkness--and poses a series of theoretical questions that offer an original contribution to readings of the English novel, as well as to current discussions of theory.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: HealcC