The Journey Narrative in American Literature: Patterns and Departures

The Journey Narrative in American Literature: Patterns and Departures
ISBN-10
0313232350
ISBN-13
9780313232350
Category
Literary Criticism / General
Pages
272
Language
English
Published
1983-12-09
Publisher
Bloomsbury Academic
Author
Janis P. Stout

Description

Stout identifies five basic, recurring patterns of the journey narrative: exploration and escape; homeseeking; return; heroic quest; and wandering. Discussion of these patterns is based on considerations such as the direction of the journey, its motivation, and reference to historical precedents. Stout considers works that demonstrate the complex and interwoven patterns of the journey narrative. The more complex the work, the more intricately interwoven these patterns are. To illustrate the all-inclusiveness of the journey motif in American literature Stout pursues the theme into the realm of poetry and relates the fictional journey narrative to the American historical experience.

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