ASPECTS OF EXPLORING IDENTITY IN LITERATURE
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Abstract
The paper explores how identity is expressed in literature by building individual character, narrative memory and representative body. An individual character is modelled based on the self-defining (by internal factors) and defined (by external factors) formula, while an image of community is built from concepts of nationalism and popularity. Depending on the modes of building characters in literature, identity can be meaningful or empty, uniform or competing with each other and with society. In the aspect of memory, identity is seen from within through narrating of the characters and the author. In the aspect of body, identity shifts from the mind to the physical body, showing both agreement and resistance to the social pattern imposed on the body. From the theoretical aspects to typical examples in literature, the paper provides a general and specific view of identity in literature and shows the effectiveness of analyzing identity associated with the art of narrative and concepts
of culture.
Keywords
body in literature, identity in literature, narrative memory
Article Details
References
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