On Katherine Mansfield's Modernistic Narrative Art In Her Short Stories

Katherine Mansfield (1888--1923), one of the New Zealand / English short story writers, is a central figure in the development of the modern short story. The present thesis is intended to study the modernistic narrative techniques Mansfield uses in her short stories. Though at the very beginning of her career Mansfield is influenced by some literary masters, such as Theocritus, Oscar Wilde, Tchekhov and some famous symbolists, she gradually forms her own unique narrative techniques. The theme of her stories is very simple: "to show the most subtle and peaceful beauty of the world", but by employing innovative narrative techniques, she imbues her short stories with a new and strong spirit. First, most of her short stories acquire a plotless form. Mansfield does not pursue the traditional structured plot, but concentrates on the characters' inner mood and impression. The stories are not narrated stories in chronological order, and often developed without important conflict, climax or ending. Yet, her stories take on an organic form often with the elements of change linking up the whole story. Second, the thesis discusses that her pure style of narration is most striking, which is conveyed by her delicate use of English words to some extent. Her language is very precise, clear and economical, and expressive. Third, the symbolic devices are frequently used in her short stories. Mansfield often uses color, light and sound to create the hero's mood, employs many natural elements to establish symbolic images, and also introduces name symbols to carry the central meaning. Thus she makes her stories more poetic. Finally, some other innovative narrative techniques are mentioned in the thesis, such as the shifting narrative perspectives, interior monologue and stream of consciousness. Finally a conclusion is naturally reached that Mansfield is an innovator and her modernistic narrative techniques have helped shape the modern short story.