Comparative Literature Dissertation

I. Abstract

This dissertation explores the interplay between tradition and modernity in comparative literature, analyzing diverse texts to reveal how traditional narratives and modernist themes merge. Through narrative analysis and comparative tables, it examines shifts in literary techniques, motifs, and themes, offering insights into the evolution of literary traditions.

II. Introduction

The need to balance tradition and modernity is a recurring theme in global literature. As societies face the inevitable waves of change, literature often serves as a reflective medium, capturing the tensions and synergies that arise. This dissertation explores these reflections within comparative literature, examining how authors from diverse backgrounds integrate traditional and modern elements in their works.

Objectives

• To analyze the synthesis of traditional and modern literary forms in selected works.

• To identify recurring themes and motifs related to the juxtaposition of tradition and modernity.

• To explore the impact of cultural and historical contexts on literary expression.

Research Questions

• How do authors blend traditional narratives with modernist themes?

• What role does cultural context play in shaping literary synthesis?

• In what ways do literary forms evolve to incorporate both tradition and modernity?

III. Literature Review

To provide a comprehensive foundation for this research, the literature review covers various theoretical frameworks and critical perspectives on the intersection of tradition and modernity. Scholars have long debated the evolution of literary forms and the persistence of traditional elements in modern literature. By engaging with these debates, this section aims to contextualize the subsequent analysis.

Theoretical Frameworks

Theory	Description	Key Scholars
Postcolonial Theory	Examines literature produced in response to the aftermath of colonialism, highlighting themes of identity, displacement, and cultural hybridity.	Edward Said, Homi Bhabha, and Gayatri Spivak
Modernism	It focuses on the radical transformations in art and literature in response to modernity, emphasizing experimentation and breaking tradition.	Virginia Woolf, T.S. Eliot, and James Joyce
Formalism	Analyzes literary texts through their formal elements, such as structure, style, and narrative techniques.	Victor Shklovsky, Roman Jakobson

Key Texts and Authors

• Chinua Achebe: His works explore the conflict between traditional Igbo society and modern colonial influences.

• James Joyce: Known for his modernist techniques, Joyce's works blend traditional storytelling with experimental forms.

• Salman Rushdie: Incorporates magical realism to juxtapose historical and mythological traditions with contemporary realities.

IV. Methodology

This dissertation employs a comparative textual analysis, focusing on how selected literary works integrate tradition and modernity. By examining narrative structures, thematic content, and stylistic elements, this analysis seeks to uncover commonalities and divergences across different cultural contexts.

Data Collection

• Primary texts from a range of authors and cultural backgrounds.

• Secondary sources include scholarly articles, critical essays, and theoretical texts.

Data Analysis

1. Close reading and textual analysis of selected works.

2. Comparative analysis to identify patterns and differences.

3. Contextual analysis to understand the influence of cultural and historical factors.

V. Analysis of Selected Works

Case Study 1: "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe

Achebe's seminal work juxtaposes traditional Igbo society with the disruptive influence of colonialism. This section explores how Achebe balances these elements to present a nuanced narrative.

Themes and Motifs

• Conflict between tradition and colonial modernity.

• Cultural displacement and identity crisis.

• Role of traditional proverbs and storytelling.

Case Study 2: "Ulysses" by James Joyce

Joyce's modernist epic blends classical mythology with contemporary Dublin life. This section analyzes how Joyce's experimental narrative techniques serve to bridge past and present.

Literary Techniques

• Stream of consciousness narrative.

• Intertextuality with classical texts.

• Innovative use of language and form.

Case Study 3: "Midnight's Children" by Salman Rushdie

Rushdie's use of magical realism reinterprets historical events through a fantastical lens. This section explores how Rushdie fuses traditional mythologies with modern political narratives.

Narrative Strategies

• Magical realism and mythological references.

• Non-linear storytelling.

• Symbolism and allegory.

VI. Discussion

This section synthesizes the findings from the case studies, identifying broader patterns in the intersection of tradition and modernity across different cultural contexts. While each author employs unique strategies, common themes such as identity, cultural hybridity, and temporal disjunction emerge, highlighting the complexity and richness of comparative literature.

VII. Conclusion

By exploring the interplay between tradition and modernity, this dissertation underscores the enduring relevance of traditional elements in contemporary literary expression. The findings suggest that rather than being mutually exclusive, tradition and modernity coexist and enrich each other within the literary landscape.

VIII. References

• Achebe, Chinua. Things fall apart. Heinemann, 1958.

• Bhabha, Homi K., The Location of Culture. Routledge, 1994.

• Joyce, James. Ulysses. Sylvia Beach, 1922.

• Rushdie, Salman. Midnight's Children. Jonathan Cape, 1981.

• Said, Edward W. Orientalism. Pantheon Books, 1978.

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