Study Of Narrative Techniques Of The Works Of Willa Cather

Willa Cather (1873-1947) is an outstanding woman writer in the history ofAmerican literature. Her works read simply and beautifully, as well as beingsmooth and fresh They praise sensibilities, and the hard pioneering spirit. "Thepioneering age" she tried to embody reflects the historical period of Americanwestern development, and the pioneering spirit she praised is the necessaryfoundation of American modern civilization. Recently, more and more ofCather's literary works have been introduced to China, arousing the interest ofChinese critics and readers This thesis will focus on Cather's writingtechniques by analyzing her novels and stories with narratological theoriesNarratology is a subject that analyses the literary text through its innerpatterns. Point of view is the structural element of narratology, and it controlsthe output and distribution of narrative information. Therefore, adjustment andemployment of point of view is very important to achieving an ideal effect of anovel This thesis discusses several of Cather's works with the theory offocalization, so as to appreciate her creative writing techniques. The followingnovels and stories have been analyzed: 0 Pioneers' ,My Antonia, A Lost Lady,"Neighbor Rosicky", "Paul's Case", "Wagner Matinä¿¥", "The Funeral of aSculptor", and "Flavia and Her Artists".