Studies On Narrative Focalization Modes In Winesburg,Ohio

With his superb narrative skills,Sherwood Anderson portrayed a group of grotesques vividly in the Winesburg,Ohio and became the first to reveal the theme of the spiritual wasteland after World War Ⅰ.However,few scholars have studied the book from a narrative perspective.Therefore,this thesis takes Genette’s narrative focalization as the theoretical support,and mainly discusses the application and effects of three focalization modes on thematic elaboration,characterization and aesthetic elevation in the novel.With regard to the application,the zero and internal focalization constitute its main narrative focalization modes with the external focalization as its perspective complement.The application of zero focalization is mainly to provide various background information for the development of the story,such as exposing the past experience of the characters and creating the external environment.The application of internal focalization lays stress on unveiling the inner world of the characters,and the application of external focalization emphasizes on outlining the external features of the characters and highlighting the environment.The organic integration of the three focalization modes plays an indispensable role in achieving the unity of the themes,highlighting the author’s consciousness,displaying multi-dimensional images through the conflicts and connections of the characters,and disclosing the innermost of the characters as well as innovating cohesion mechanism and strengthening authenticity of this novel.The three narrative focalization modes are perfectly combined to highlight the narrative charm of the novel and to demonstrate the significance of building a spiritual home for the contemporary people saddled with the burden of life.