Probing Short Story Cycles: Interpreting Dubliners and Winesburg, Ohio Through Nietzsche’s Philosophical Concepts

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)

Department

Literature and Languages

Date of Award

5-22-2024

Abstract

This dissertation delves into the exploration of the short story cycle genre employed by modernist writers as an experimental style to illustrate the disintegration of life in the modern world. The primary focus lies on James Joyce’s Dubliners (1914) and Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio (1919), dissecting how these authors utilize the technique of short story cycles to depict the stagnation and paralysis characteristic of modern life. Through a comprehensive analysis of narrative techniques and thematic elements in both works, the study aims to uncover the intricate portrayal of 20th-century human beings. Recognizing that modernist literature emphasizes the individual, this study underscores the importance of understanding human nature to explore the profound depths of these literary works. Drawing inspiration from the twentieth century philosophical discourses on human nature, the dissertation specifically selects Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher whose ideas significantly influenced modernist literature. Nietzsche’s insights form the foundation for a nuanced examination of Dubliners and Winesburg, Ohio, enabling a deeper understanding of recurring themes, character motivations, narrative structures, and underlying philosophical inquiries within the texts. The subsequent chapters of the dissertation apply Nietzsche’s philosophical concepts of will to power/life and giving style to one’s character to scrutinize Dubliners and Winesburg, Ohio respectively, establishing correlations between Nietzsche’s ideas and the prevalent themes of these collections. By integrating Nietzsche’s concepts, the study contends that readers can interpret the themes of stagnation and paralysis in a new light, unraveling deeper societal reflections and implications within modernist literary works. The discussion extends to illustrate how those concepts shape the narratives of Dubliners and Winesburg, Ohio while portraying the struggles of the characters. This comprehensive exploration not only sheds light on the challenges and limitations faced by people in the modern era, but also provides a new perspective on understanding the underlying themes present in modernist literary works.

Advisor

Karen Roggenkamp

Subject Categories

Arts and Humanities | English Language and Literature

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