Coherence In Disorder__Narrative Chapters And Interchapters In The Grapes Of Wrath

This thesis attempts to analyze John Steinbeck The Grapes of Wrath from the perspective of its form. The focus of the study is on the two distinct kinds of chapters of the novel: the narrative chapters and the interch apters.In the introduction, the serious intention of the book is discussed, since it is closely connected with its form. The general arrangement of the chapters in the whole novel is also briefly presented in this part.In the first part of the thesis, the narrative chapters are dwelt on. The main purpose of the narrative chapters focusing on the particular is articipation? Some characteristics of the narrative chapters are discussed to show how Steinbeck skillfully involves the reader in his long novel.Part Two deals with the functions and features of the interchapters. The use of the device of nterchapter?not only broadens the scope of the book, but also manipulates the reader emotion; it is a great and successful experiment in the novel.The third part of the thesis tries to bring out the fact that the two parts of the novel are actually an organic unity. Some very subtle devices serving to interlock the two kinds of chapters are explored.The last part is a conclusion, summarizing the main points of the thesis and pointing out that The Grapes of Wrath is an ingeniously structured masterpiece.