Mind the Gap: (Re)Reading Narratorial Construction in Selected Novels of Ernest Hemingway

The following thesis proposes a new theory for understanding the narrative structure in selected novels of Ernest Hemingway. Drawn from close textual analysis, the theory works to reconcile critical difficulties by recognizing an implicit gap between the narrator-character construct appearing in the text and its conceptual origin—a new idea and term called arche-narrator. The role of the arche-narrator is partially developed through a metaphorical relation to Jacques Derrida’s description of originary expression in arche-writing, which initiates the originary breach between intention/conveyed that occurs during signification. Establishing this theoretical premise, I offer the concept of arche-narrator as an operational reading method used to trace the complexities of narratorial distance and “gap” in the communication of narrative to reader. In other words, by studying the relationship between the narrative construct and originary arche-narrator, new insights can be gained about some of Hemingway’s most compelling narrators and the stories they tell. The novels under study include The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, and The Garden of Eden.

Grantor dc:publisher

Creighton University

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Loy, Eric

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Cooper, Lydia R.

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10504/28001

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cdr.creighton.edu:10504/28001