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Narrative strategies in Robert Cormier’s young adult novels

Shen, Fu-Yuan
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1135277215

Abstract Details

2006, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Educational Theory and Practice.
The young adult fiction of Robert Cormier (1925–2000) has been influential in writing for young adult readers. In particular, Cormier’s manipulation of narration transcends the accepted conventions in the field of young adult literature and enables him to move toward multiple voices and perspectives. Yet Cormier’s YA novels have never been analyzed systematically in terms of their narrative merits. Applying contemporary narrative theory, this study explores the reciprocal relationship between Cormier’s narrative techniques and his treatment of controversial themes in his young adult fiction. It is based on the assumption that theme and narration are not separate components, but complementary elements. That requires appropriate amalgamation. The dissertation begins by investigating the critical context of Cormier’s works in relation to the field of young adult literature. Then the study turns to a close examination of the narrative techniques employed in Cormier’s young adult novels The Chocolate War (1974), I Am the Cheese (1977), After the First Death (1979), The Bumblebee Flies Anyway (1983), Beyond the Chocolate War (1985), Fade (1988), Other Bells for Us to Ring (1990), We All Fall Down (1991), Tunes for Bears to Dance To (1992), In the Middle of the Night (1995), Tenderness (1997), Heroes (1998), and The Rag and Bone Shop (2001). Among the salient textual features identified in Cormier’s YA novels are Bakhtinian dialogue achieved through multiple focalization, a polyphonic effect produced by free indirect discourse, and suspense generated by means of gaps and delay. Cormier utilizes diverse narrative techniques to elaborate the significance of his works and thus achieves a unique correspondence between form and content. This study also demonstrates Cormier’s contributions to young adult literature: the introduction of modern and postmodern techniques of narration and the pioneering use of sophisticated narrative strategies. This dissertation concludes with a discussion of the use of Cormier’s YA fiction in high-school literature classes, along with suggestions for future research.
Caroline Clark (Advisor)
237 p.
Education, Language and Literature
Robert Cormier; narratology; narrative theory; narrative technique; literature teaching; young adult literature; young adult novel

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Shen, F.-Y. (2006). Narrative strategies in Robert Cormier’s young adult novels [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1135277215

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Shen, Fu-Yuan. Narrative strategies in Robert Cormier’s young adult novels. 2006. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1135277215.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Shen, Fu-Yuan. "Narrative strategies in Robert Cormier’s young adult novels." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2006. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1135277215

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1135277215
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.