The Writing Features Of The Postmodernist Novel Timequake

Kurt Vonnegut is one of the most important postmodernist novelists in America. He was respected and admired by later generations for his innovations of the novels'writing modes and his actively discussion and musings on human life in the contemporary world. The novel Timequake, published in 1997, is his last work. It has no obvious center or ultimate meaning of creation, random and ridiculous, just like a mixture; and this in turn enables it to be a typical example of anti-tradition novel.Vonnegut originally employs new narrative skills and writing modes, such as intrusion narratives, non-linear narratives, fragmentary plot, collage, contradiction and carnivalization. The employment of these techniques enables Timequake a very different and original work which enables the readers to realize that chaotic and absurd postmodernist society can be truly reflected only by new innovative narrative techniques and writing modes but not by traditional text with fixed meanings.The thesis analyzes the novel Timequake from the respectives of narrative techniques and writing features. It includes three chapters in total. The first chapter is about intrusion narrative and non-linear narrative and mainly discusses that the author always steps into the text to comment or speak in order to deconstruct his own authority and the authenticity of the narrative; and it emphases the subjectivity of the text and the importance of the readers'actively participation in the text to construct the textual meanings. The author also employs the fragmentary plot and the technique of collage to break the traditional linear narrative. The second chapter studies the employ of contradiction which just vividly reveals the fact that two opposite sides are contrary to each other but can also coexist in reality; and that the author resorts to contradiction is actually a process of his realization of the true nature of reality. The third chapter looks into the narrative of the text from the angle of carnivalization. From the very beginning, Vonnegut intentionally creates a big carnivalized background, namely, timequake during which the whole universe would go back to ten years. Under this general carnizalized background, it is difficult for people not to live a carnivalized life. The typical crowning and decrowning rituals can be found in the novel and humorous language and satirical tone are also analyzed in the thesis.Vonnegut makes great contributions to the innovation of the writing techniques, but his contributions are not limited within this aspect. Moreover, his significance also lies on his human care to human beings and this society. He actively advocated humanity and his ultimate purpose is to build a better and happier world.