Fabric Of Space&Time

As a landmark work of Julian Barnes,Flaubert’s Parrot entered critic’s theoretical vision in 20 th century with the style of tact,piece and paradox.Although Barnes frequently discusses topics like memory,life and progress in his novels,the humanistic care in those works is not yet became the focus of academic research.In this thesis,subject and exploration issues about the protagonist Geoffrey Braithwaite in Flaubert’s Parrot are studied.This thesis attempts to point out the space and time narrative skill’s function of shaping the subject,and discuss the allegorical character in subject’s exploring after close-reading of the text.The innovation point of this thesis is discuss Barnes’ s attempt to exploring subjectivity under the collapse of value system through the switch between time and space.The thesis is divided into three parts: Part one analyze retroversion,linear and psychological time narration in the text,focusing on the subject’s exist issues under personal life’s collapse,then covered topics like memory trauma,death,morality which are scattered throughout the text.Part two emphasizes the indivisibility of space and time narrative.By analyzing the space narrative form,discussing the problem of place spirit and symbol’s fragmentation,the thesis points out the belief of individual’s "perfect existence" is losing.In the third part,the exploration of subject is discussed in combination with space and time dimension.Assuming that the subject conceals his loneliness and melancholy states with the identity of the "Flaneur".The establishment of subjectivity was completed under dialogues with "significant other",which was driven by space and time.In addition to the unique style of post-modern techniques,Flaubert’s Parrot also inherits Flaubert’s humanistic care in realistic works.Beyond the faith of "telling the truth" are the hidden worries of human being.Besides,Barnes forms an “allegorical interpretation” of modern’s predicament.Based on text analysis,this thesis conclude that Barnes embodies the fragmentation feature of time and space in modern society,then discusses existence dilemma and crisis situation of subject under ambiguity and uncertainty.He finally finds a kind of allegorical expression for the moderns who are in trouble.