Reflections upon Childhood and Adolescence - Intertextual Dialogue in "The Cement Garden"

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• INTORDUCTION
• CHAPTER 1: Modern Castaways
• CHAPTER 2: Terror of degeneration: Gothic markers in The Cement Garden
• CHAPTER 3: Parody of a Bildungsroman
• CONCLUSIONS
• BIBLIOGRAPHY
• STRESZCZENIE W JĘZYKU POLSKIM

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This MA thesis explores the concept of intertextuality, specifically examining its application within the novel "The Cement Garden" by Ian McEwan. The work aims to demonstrate how intertextuality enriches the narrative, shaping its meaning and offering insights into the text's themes and characters.

• The role of intertextuality in shaping the narrative of "The Cement Garden"
• Exploration of themes related to childhood, adolescence, and loss
• Analysis of gothic elements and their influence on the novel's atmosphere
• Examination of the novel's relationship to the Bildungsroman genre
• The reader's role in understanding the intertextual dialogue within the text

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The first chapter, "Modern Castaways," delves into the concept of intertextuality, highlighting its importance in understanding literary works. The chapter explores key concepts proposed by scholars such as Julia Kristeva and Roland Barthes, emphasizing the influence of prior texts and the active role of the reader in deciphering intertextual relationships. The chapter concludes by connecting these theoretical frameworks to the novel "The Cement Garden," suggesting its engagement with literary and cultural traditions.

Chapter two, "Terror of degeneration: Gothic markers in The Cement Garden," explores the gothic elements present in McEwan's novel, arguing that they contribute significantly to the atmosphere and thematic development. The chapter analyzes specific aspects of the gothic tradition present in the novel, highlighting their influence on the reader's experience.

Chapter three, "Parody of a Bildungsroman," delves into the novel's relationship with the Bildungsroman genre. It examines how McEwan subverts traditional elements of the Bildungsroman, offering a unique perspective on the themes of growth and development within the context of a dysfunctional family.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key concepts explored in this thesis include intertextuality, gothic literature, Bildungsroman, childhood, adolescence, loss, family dynamics, and Ian McEwan's "The Cement Garden."