The Representation of Rosemary's Memory in Karen Joy Fowler's "We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves"

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The Construction Of Memory
  • Manipulating Subjects
  • Objects Of Manipulation
  • Who Manipulates Memory?
• The Unreliability Of Memory
  • Mental Health Impact
  • The Categories of Unreliability
  • Cause And Effect of Unreliability
• Memory And the Non-Human
  • The Ape's Memory In "A Report to An Academy"
  • "Project Nim" And "The Ape and The Child" - Primates Raised Alongside Humans
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis explores the manipulation of memory in Karen Joy Fowler's novel We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves, focusing on the character of Rosemary Cooke. It aims to analyze the construction of memory, the unreliability of the narrator, and the relationship between memory and the non-human. The work delves into the non-linear narrative and its impact on the reader's understanding of the story.

• The construction of memory and the impact of manipulation on the narrative.
• The unreliability of the narrator and its effect on the interpretation of events.
• The impact of traumatic experiences on memory and mental health.
• The role of intertextuality, specifically Franz Kafka's "A Report for an Academy," in understanding the non-human perspective.
• The connection between memory, animal behavior, and the concept of humanization.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction sets the stage for the analysis by outlining the thesis's objectives and key themes. It introduces Rosemary Cooke as the protagonist and narrator, highlighting the complexities of her memory and the impact of her family's experiences on her narrative.

The chapter on "The Construction of Memory" delves into the manipulation of time and events within Rosemary's narrative. It examines the non-linear structure of the story and how the reader must piece together the timeline to understand the true sequence of events. The chapter also explores the emotional and factual aspects of memory, highlighting the unreliable nature of Rosemary's perspective.

The chapter on "The Unreliability of Memory" analyzes the impact of trauma on Rosemary's narrative. It discusses the concept of an unreliable narrator, exploring how Rosemary's mental health affects her ability to recall events accurately. The chapter also examines the role of mental time travel as a narrative technique, exploring how Rosemary's memories shape her present-day experience.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The main keywords and focus topics of this thesis include: memory manipulation, unreliable narrator, trauma, mental health, non-human perspective, animal behavior, humanization, intertextuality, Franz Kafka, "A Report for an Academy," We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves, Karen Joy Fowler.